Values & Principles
ToC
Lean
Waste
5 Voices
100

I am because we are.

What is ubuntu?

100

The limiting factor in a system that often decides the output for the entire system.

What is a bottleneck/constraint?

100
The opposite of batch and que where parts are moved through operations from step-to-step with no WIP in between either one piece at a time or a small batch at a time.
What is one piece flow?
100

The Japanese word for waste.

What is muda?

100

This voice prioritizes harmony, protection, and making sure people feel safe and valued—often known as the “champion of people.”

What is the Nurturer?

200

The most powerful word in the human language.

What is a persons name?

200

This step in the 5 focusing steps is where you ensure everything else supports the constraint.

What is subordinating to the constraint?

200
Lean mechanism to help prevent mistakes.
What is poka-yoke?
200

This waste is seen when people are moving around

What is motion?

200

Known for future-oriented ideas and innovative thinking, this voice sees possibilities long before others do.

What is the creative?

300

Like Toyota, be relentless at building ...

What is (culture), a culture?

300

According to ToC, this metric is considered the most important and is defined by the rate at which a system generates revenues.

What is throughput?

300
A practice that focuses on continuous improvement. In Japanese means improvement.
What is kaizen?
300

Incomplete work in progress.

What is inventory?

300

This voice loves structure, consistency, and checking details, and often asks “Are we sure this is the right way?”

What is the Guardian?

400

The Japanese word often used to describe the concept of reflecting on events.

What is a hansei?

400

In the DRUM-BUFFER-ROPE scheduling method, this element represents the protective time or materials placed before the constraint to prevent starvation.

What is the buffer?

400

A lean fundamental that is based on takt time, work sequence, and standard work-in-process.

What is standard work?

400

This waste is represented by hidden talents and training gaps.

What is skills (employees)?

400

This voice excels at networking, bringing people together, and communicating in a way that energizes the team.

What is the Connector?

500

Our goal.

What is to make one, two-second improvement daily?

500

After elevating a constraint and increasing capacity, TOC warns that this step must happen next, or the process will drift back into old habits.

What is returning to step 1 (identify the new constraint)?

500

This means go to the root or the source of the problem.

What is gemba?

500

Batching processes often leads to this timely waste.

What is waiting?

500

Often the loudest voice in the room, this one sets direction, drives results, and is comfortable taking risks and making bold moves.

What is the Pioneer?