Do you remember when Daniel San was angered by Miyagi for treating him like a work slave in the movie “The Karate Kid.” It was a defining moment when all of the critical practices came together enabling Daniel San to become a warrior in the Art of Karate.
Why do I need to paint the fence? Why do I need to wax the car? Why do I sand the deck?
Miyagi had taught Daniel San the fundamental skill set needed to do battle with proponents that may not be trustworthy, exhibit bad behaviour and not play by the rules.
Miyagi also tested his warriors, before sending them off to do battle.
The Lean Project Certification program tests Project Managers to see if they are lean, fit and have the tools needed to survive in sometimes hostile environments. To become certified, applicants are required to document formal education, project experience plus pass the Intern level and Implementer level exams.
The purpose of this article is to outline the skills needed and the process for achieving the first level of competency in Lean Project Delivery.
Lean Project Intern (LPI) Certification Requirements
Applicants will have a full understanding of the business case for LPD, know and understand the principles of value and creating flow, be able to identify and provide examples of the eight types of wastes, comprehend how reliable and predictable work flow improves the throughput of a production system and know how the Last Planner System®, Target Value Design and Big Room Collaboration contribute to improving the project delivery process.
To pass the Intern Exam, applicants will need to understand the following:
The Business Case - Why Lean Project Delivery?
What does "Lean culture" look like for projects?
How is LPD different from traditional projects?
What are the eight types of waste?
How does flow impact project delivery?
What are the three main Lean Project Systems?
Apply for Intern Level Certification
The process involves registering for the appropriate level of Lean Project Delivery certification, writing the exam, filling in the application form and detailing 10 hours of formal education.
Coach’s Corner
Now that Daniel San understands the basic principles and systems, it is time to start preparing for that first tournament. Our coaches would recommend practicing with the Last Planner System. Pull plan a phase of a project, establish weekly work plan sessions and work with a 6 week look ahead schedule.
Get the Team Lean Project Ready
To be lean project ready, we need to practice, practice and practice. It is also important to get doing and not wait until we hit the magic number of 10,000 hours, where theoretically we should reach some level of Mastery in the Art of Lean Project Delivery.
The Lean Certification program encourages participants to go forth, challenge the status quo and make changes to how we do the work. Solve problems, eliminate waste and make mistakes. It is all part of implementing a lean project. If you are not committed to change, this program is not for you. Do yourself a favour and hit the floor running.
If building a lean team is of interest to your organization, a good place to start could be to learn the framework, systems and fundamentals all covered in the “Take the Fast Lane to Project Success” online workshop. Alternatively take a number of industry courses and test your knowledge by getting “Certified in Lean Project Delivery”.
For the next blog we look at the Lean Implementer level skills needed to deliver a Lean Project win.
Until then ... Wax On, Wax Off
Murray