Implementing Lean in Construction: How to Succeed

Implementing lean means an organization (project or enterprise) transforms itself from a current state to a future state vision that incorporates a lean ideal. This paper proposes a strategy for organizations to increase the likelihood of success when going through a lean transformation. This approach considers construction projects as the basis for transformation, and proposes a narrow and deep implementation approach for the transformation effort. The paper highlights key elements for a successful implementation including vision, skills, incentives, resources, and detailed action plans. It reinforces the need for heavy-weight project leadership to control behavioral development during the transformation and presents a series of concepts and techniques that support a better understanding of human and team behavior. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for organizations that envision a transformation event towards lean project delivery.