Shigeo Shingo (1909 - 1990) was an Industrial Engineer who worked as a consultant with a number of companies before finally being brought in to further develop the Toyota Production System. His most notable contributions and accomplishments include SMED (quick changeovers), Standard[ized] Work and methods of error-proofing.
These are some of his most famous quotes:
“The most dangerous kind of waste is the waste we do not recognize.” - Shigeo Shingo
“When you buy bananas all you want is the fruit not the skin, but you have to pay for the skin also. It is a waste. And you the customer should not have to pay for the waste.” - Shigeo Shingo
“A relentless barrage of ‘why’s’ is the best way to prepare your mind to pierce the clouded veil of thinking caused by the status quo. Use it often.” - Shigeo Shingo
“Improvement usually means doing something that we have never done before.” - Shigeo Shingo
“The best approach is to dig out and eliminate problems where they are assumed not to exist.” - Shigeo Shingo
“Are you too busy for improvement? Frequently, I am rebuffed by people who say they are too busy and have no time for such activities. I make it a point to respond by telling people, look, you’ll stop being busy either when you die or when the company goes bankrupt.” - Shigeo Shingo
Again, with any of the lean quotes I present, I try to be as accurate as possible. If you see any discrepancies, please email me.
