Visual Workplace, Visual Thinking: Creating Enterprise Excellence Through the Technologies of the Visual Workplace

Too many of us think we know what the visual workplace is just because we like visual devices. Finally, here is a book that tells us where visual solutions come from, why they are important, and the building blocks of the thinking itself. Once Galsworth explains the visual thinking paradigm, she walks us through her seminal 10-Doorway Model for creating a workforce of visual thinkers—from CEOs, operators, supervisors, managers, engineers, office staff ... whatever the work venue, factory, hospital, office, agency. Galsworth has invented the field. Visuality is a cultural as well as a bottom-line transformation. Through excellent language and over 200 full-color examples, charts, and schemata, this book explains ... well, everything. Including that "visual management" is only a subset (barely 10%) of a fully-functional visual workplace. Gosh! She is a master of this. An expert, with a ton of hands-on work with companies. She knows lean and has been in the trenches with the best of us. Plus Galsworth writes extremely well, with detail, humor, and insight. I am blown away by this book. It's a classic! Like no other. The only book that is better is the second edition of this one.

I read books to get new ideas, not to copy a specific recipe. If this book does not get your creative juices running, nothing will. I will be using these ideas over and over. Great job, Gwendolyn! Jean Cunningham

This is an excellent book. It is well written, easy to understand and is full of useful examples. As an Organizational Development person, the most astounding element of Galsworth's FiveS+1 method, is that incorporated into the bases of her model is the bases for creating lasting and sustainable change. Sustainable change is a crucial element required for any successful Lean implementation. If applied correctly FiveS+1 definitely has the capability to create the critical mass required for lasting organizational change.

I am the Plant Manager of a parts fabrication plant and was absolutely stunned by the simplicity and brilliance of Ms Galsworth's definition of waste as "motion" - the seeking or sharing of information that takes a worker away from his/her value adding station. Many of the writings that I have read in my 15 years of lean experience have provided insight into implementation, but Ms Galsworth's definition of motion is a breakthrough in thinking as it re-defines or amplifies one of the basic concepts of the Toyota Production System. I see this waste in my plant every day, now I can see it differently and can do something about it.

This book is an expression of the excellence alluded to in the title. It has beauty and practicality in a perfect marriage. Spinning one's wheels trying to get a job done without needed answers and without appropriate equipment: this is an experience that is all too common. It wastes time and energy but, just as importantly, it causes unnecessary frustration and demoralization of personnel. Dr. Galsworth explains how to organize a workplace so that each person has the tools and information needed to accomplish the required tasks. The secret of the Visual Workplace is that, not only does it lead to increased productivity and quality, but it also creates an environment where personnel feel respected and empowered, where indeed their ideas and insights are utilized and valued. Employee turnover declines and coming to work becomes enjoyable. Enlightened self-interest on the part of management means a harmonious, well-thought-out arrangement of objects and people. This is good feng shui on every level. With its glossy pages and high-quality paper, the book feels good in the hand. There are fascinating photos of job implementations at well-known and international companies. Various management paradigms are illustrated with clear diagrams. It is fun just to flip through the pages. Although I am a Dean in an acupuncture school, I found Visual Workplace of great interest. Its organizational concepts, such as ways to reduce "information deficit", were as applicable in our small school as they are in huge factories.

Finally, a book that details a system for applying visual techniques, including color photos and something for every department. A great in-depth treatment of the subject that goes far beyond a cursory Lean discussion. This is a practical, hands-on implementation guide that transforms the shop floor while putting responsibility in the hands - and minds - of the "value add" employees.