Training & Events Signature Programs

Blended Online Learning Tool
(BOLT)

Lean Together 1.0 – 2026-2027

Categories: Lean Together
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About Course

This course content is only for companies who enroll a team in a cohort for Lean Together 1.0. These lessons are included for blended-learning with your in-person participation. Please do not enroll if you are not part of this cohort. If you are not currently in the Lean Together and want more information, please contact: rkeller@nwirc.org

Lean Together™ is a collaborative learning program designed to help manufacturers build a culture of continuous improvement using principles from 2 Second Lean. Through monthly sessions with NWIRC’s Operational Excellence Specialist, participants apply lean tools directly on the shop floor—boosting transparency, engagement, safety, and leadership agility. The program includes company tours, mini-kaizen events, and hands-on problem-solving to drive real, lasting change.

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What Will You Learn?

  • 🧭 Apply lean principles like 5S, 8 Wastes, and 2 Second Lean for quick wins and lasting improvement
  • 📊 Use visual management tools such as real-time dashboards and daily huddles to increase transparency
  • 🤝 Strengthen team cohesion by streamlining meetings and fostering open communication
  • 🧠 Master problem-solving techniques including root cause analysis and unsafe condition tracking
  • 🌐 Break down cultural barriers by learning how to explain the “why” behind changes
  • 🔍 Identify and develop key talent with tools to support leadership growth
  • 🚀 Elevate leadership skills to build trust, responsiveness, and agility
  • 🛠️ Practice hands-on learning through mini-kaizen events, shop-floor exercises, and company tours

Course Content

Session 1: Kickoff & Company Self-Assessment – Benchmark
This company self-assessment is designed to help you evaluate your current condition and then progress for implementing a culture of continuous improvement. It provides a snapshot of current strengths and aspirational goals across key areas like transparency, trust, barrier removal, teaching, and tracking. By rating each characteristic on a scale from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong), leadership and teams can identify priority areas for improvement and track cultural transformation over time—from the starting condition. Complete the worksheet with input from your team and then submit the assignment. Bring a copy to the next session.

  • Worksheet: Company Self-Assessment

Session 2: Foundations of 2 Second Lean / What Bugs You?
Watch the video as an introduction to NWIRC's Lean Together program, and the basics of 2 second lean - then take the knowledge-check quiz.

Session 3: Morning Meeting
Download the morning meeting agenda planner. Collaborate with your team to plan a morning meeting. This can be starting one if you have never had morning meetings in the past, plan for doing in a new area of the company, or make improvements to an existing regular meeting. Complete the planner and submit your assignment.

Session 4: 8 Wastes
Prior to next session, watch the video lesson on 8 Wastes - then take the quiz. Also, watch the short 'Making Toast' videos.

Session 5: 3S – versus 5S
Watch the 3S video lesson and then complete the short quiz.

Session 6: Value Stream Mapping
Before the next session, watch these videos on Value Stream Mapping and take the Quiz.

Session 7: Fishbone Diagram
In preparation for next month’s session on problem solving, watch this short video about fishbone diagrams and complete the Quiz.

Session 8: Continuous Improvement Training Plan
Download the CI Training Plan document. Collaborate with your team to create a Continuous Improvement Training Plan. Complete the CI Training Plan and submit your assignment

Session 9: Presentations & Graduation
Prepare slides highlighting your company's current state, successes, challenges, and where you will go from here. Please plan to present your slides at graduation.

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