Given the improvements for enterprise realized by a Lean approach, I propose we begin to think about how a Lean approach can benefit work and society in a broader context. We know that Lean benefits migrate easily across different organizations serving the same supply chain or the same project. Can communities realize similar benefits from a Lean approach?

There are three questions that help to think about this possibility. Would a community benefit if more of the enterprises operating within that community operated using a Lean operational strategy focused on flow efficiency? Would a community benefit if a Lean economic strategy was employed to encourage the the growth of more locally owned businesses? Would a community benefit if its land use development incorporated a Lean cultural strategy?

At a time when median household incomes are declining in the U. S. these are important questions.