“The best good is like water.”

“The best good is like water.”

Laozi

Another quote from Laozi. It continues: “water helps everything, doesn’t conflict with anything, and flows to the lowest place.” This phrase embodies Laozi's philosophy. While this philosophy is known for accepting things as they are and for its passive nature, we can apply it in various ways.

1️⃣ Standardized workf low like water

“People don’t follow the standardized work,” is a comment we often hear. Responding to such comments frequently involves enforcement, policing, or auditing. It creates conflict between workers and management. Then, when you go to the Gemba, you see the reality. An industrial (let’s call it that since it sounds more professional) table sits unused. Materials are scattered with no designated spot. Tools are everywhere in disarray. There’s a leftover tape sign on the floor, which they call “5S.” The actual material is somewhere else, and when we use that location, we can do the work more efficiently than following the standard.

My coach said, “Don’t ask the worker to memorize the standardized work. Let the layout, material, & tool locations guide the people through the work sequence. People should focus on key points and continuous improvement.”

His comment and Laozi’s quote share a common idea. Yes, standardized work must be followed. This is not the main point of discussion. Once we accept this, there are two approaches.

The first and most common approach is the “Push.” You enforce the standards. There might be contradictions, like tools in random spots or materials not where they’re supposed to be for the standardized work, but you still push. A worker might have a better idea but still push the old standard.

The other option is to align with standardized work. Design a layout that best fits the standard, making it the worker's natural first choice. Materials and tools needed for the next step are arranged in a consistent, counter-clockwise order, not randomly. The last task is next to the first, ensuring a smooth transition. There are no incidental tasks that require the worker to search or wander. Just as water flows from high to low, why not create a layout based on standardized work that naturally becomes the first choice?

Standardized work isn’t just paperwork; it's a guide for creating effective processes. And a good process helps people follow the standardized work.

2️⃣ Work balance like water

Water flows from high to low. When the workload is heavy, some tasks should be shifted to activities with less content. However, this often doesn’t happen. Maybe that location doesn’t see work as interchangeable. But work should be transferable. We should be able to move tasks from high-workload areas to lower ones.

One reason we can move work is that workers aren’t usually trained in multiple skills. If not, then workers should be trained to develop a broad skill set. Human capabilities are flexible and can be developed. We should assume a worker can master only one skill.

As Laozi said, “water can change its form to match the container.” If the skills needed change, we should be flexible.

3️⃣ Material flows like water

Water floods. Such events cause destruction.

A factory received an enormous order—10 times its usual daily volume—to be delivered within the standard lead time. The alert was raised and escalated to the VP. The VP cautiously negotiated with the customer. As the discussion unfolded, the truth emerged: the buyer wanted to stockpile inventory before going on vacation. The negotiation continued to handle the situation systematically, and ultimately, the order was canceled. By the way, the contract prohibited such large orders, but as we know, who respects contracts?

Floods do occur, but understanding their cause is essential. Most causes are man-made. A lack of a proper system allows some to create chaos—sometimes with good intentions. Large order quantities, transportation problems, and batching are common reasons. Many blame the market, but it is seldom the true cause. Artificial factors are the main reason.

“The best good is like water.” The standardized work should flow smoothly, like water. We need to be flexible, adaptable like water. The process should flow steadily, avoiding flooding.

By the way, there’s a great sake named “The best good is like water.” Enjoy.