Example of how to use Lean Management Techniques in our day-to-day life.

1. Applying Lean
Management
Technique on Self -
Using 5S
SUNDER G.
SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT CERTIFIED

2. Lean Management
Lean Management (or simply “Lean”) is a widely used term across
organizations. Like most management jargon, Lean is also widely misunderstood; it
is thought to denote “the beginning of the lay-off cycle,” while what it actually
denotes is “Business Transformation.”

3. Is Lean applicable only to organizations?
Why should it be?
All Lean principles, like Six Sigma, can be applied on oneself for
continuous improvement!
Want proof?
Let us try a simple Lean tool today to see if this really works.

4. 5S for Success - A Lean tool

5. What does 5S mean?
The 5S is a Lean Management tool used to achieve a clear, clean, safe
and organized workplace.
The 5S stand for:
 Sort - Distinguish the necessary from the unnecessary.
 Set in Order - Organize and arrange what you need.
 Shine (Sweep) - Identify abnormalities by visually sweeping the area.
 Standardize - Maintain uniformity across the board to prevent setback.
 Sustain - Continue the process through Self-Discipline and Motivation.

6. Clutter to Cuter Desktop - using 5S
This is how I applied 5S
Take a look at my Desktop:
*Image intentionally blurred for data security

7. Time for Action
Now, let’s fix the chaos using 5S
1. Sort: My first task is to distinguish the necessary items from the
unnecessary ones.
I first sort the items on my desktop by “Date Modified.” This will separate the most
recently touched items from the older items.

8. A place for everything and everything in
its place
2. Set in Order: Next, I create 3 main folders on the
desktop:
 Frequently used, Rarely used and Never used.
 I then move all items into the appropriate folders. I create a few additional
folders such as Personal, Reports, etc.
 This is how my desktop looks after this exercise-->

9. Working on the aesthetics
3. Shine: I delete unnecessary files to give my desktop a clean,
uncluttered look.
4. Standardize: I then add sticky notes for each of the folders:
Reports, Account Specifics, Personal, etc. They now look consistent.

10. Sustainability is the Key
5. Sustain: Compare the desktops now
Before After

11. Scope for Improvement
The design may be customized to your preference. I used sticky notes. You could
create a color-coded system to improve aesthetics.
A Better organized layout -->

12. Conclusion - What’s the takeaway?
There is always scope for improvement - in the way we do things and in ourselves. If we
have the right tools, like 5S, and if we know how to use them, results will follow.
All images are from free image libraries