Toyota and a Toddlers Share Something in Common: They Ask “Why?”
I distinctly remember about a decade ago helping a friend move to Washington D.C. from his home in rural Ohio. He had a toddler at the time, and we were looking out the window as we drove into the metro area. Above us was a jumbo jet preparing to land at Reagan. “What’s that?” she asked. “An airplane,” I replied. Then, she asked, “Why?”
Apparently the folks at Toyota never grew out of that stage, and now employ it in their day-to-day operations. Seriously.
Here’s the thing though; it works. When they are tasked with something, or someone proposes an idea, it is met with the question of “Why?” The follow-up is met with the same question. This exercise is a great way in pointing out flaws or potential hiccups with a proposal.
While I can tease that it’s what a toddler does, asking this question does create a better end product. No idea, no product, no initiative is ever perfect from the start, and this helps gets to the real “meat and potatoes” of the issue. Also with all of Toyota’s lean production methods, it allows them to make some of the best products in the industry.
What do you think? Why? Let us know over in the forums!
via [Business Insider]
