Efficient operations and powerful innovations are not limited to seasons of growth and high demand. Going Lean introduces the powerful yet unexpected mind-set that's reshaping the rules for business competitiveness: Lean Dynamics ™. This approach, based on the now-famous Toyota Production System—empowers companies to thrive in virtually any environment—even when sudden shifts occur or they experience unpredictable conditions. Through a detailed exploration of this approach, readers will learn how to: become broadly effective in creating and sustaining value; set a critical foundation for achieving sustained excellence; identify sources of lag and create robust value streams that thrive in today's dynamic conditions; describe the underlying techniques to maintain steady and predictable flow; create a system based on "pull," or external demand that consistently introduces new innovation; strive for perfection; and deliver industry-leading returns. Led by a new breed of companies—Toyota, Walmart, and Southwest Airlines—this innovative mind-set changes the game for businesses everywhere. Going Lean teaches readers how their companies—big or small—can leverage this revolutionary thinking to measure and achieve real results.