What would be a primary consideration for an organization looking to implement Lean tools?

A primary consideration for an organization looking to implement Lean tools is focused on improving workflow and speed. Lean methodology is fundamentally about enhancing efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste within processes. The core principles of Lean emphasize streamlining operations, reducing cycle times, and optimizing the flow of materials and information through the value stream. By improving workflow, an organization can significantly increase its productivity and responsiveness to customer needs, which are essential for maintaining competitive advantage.

In the context of Lean, maximizing profits can be a byproduct of improved efficiency, but the highlighted focus on workflow and speed directly aligns with Lean's objective of providing more value with fewer resources. Likewise, while expanding market reach and increasing workforce size may be beneficial for growth, these factors do not address the core intent behind Lean implementation, which is to refine processes and eliminate inefficiencies. By prioritizing workflow improvements, an organization can set a solid foundation that supports other goals, including profitability and market expansion, in the long run.