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Introduction to Practicing Kata

Making Innovation and Teamwork Second Nature for Your Frontline People

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In Person
Introduction to Practicing Kata

An Introduction Practicing Kata is foundational because it teaches your people how to think about improvements in a structured, scientific manner. This Kata program follows the proven format of our traditional TWI programs — two hours per session for five sessions. It demonstrates fundamental Kata concepts, scientific thinking and key behavioral principles. The Improvement Kata segment of the program provides expert guidance in setting your goal, establishing current and target conditions, identifying obstacles and PDCA-based experimentation. An important part of this learn-by-doing program is practicing the Coaching Kata while being mentored by TWI Institute Certified Trainers. Upon completion, your people will have the knowledge and skills for immediate Kata development and practice.

Our end-to-end programming assures adoption and continuation of the benefits of Kata. Your TWI Institute coach will meet with management, managers, trainers, supervisors and team leaders to observe your practice. Your coach will gauge progress, identify problems, suggest solutions and help realign goals.

More on Kata

Illustration from M. Rother
What We Will Cover

Introduction to Practicing Kata, as is the case with all TWI Institute programs, is focused on the people who supervise the workers and the workers themselves. Its emphasis is not only on building skills, but also on empowering the worker to “learn by doing.” What’s more, this program provides a proven and reliable model for elevating the kind of employee engagement, problem solving and creativity that advances ongoing or planned continuous improvement, kaizen, lean and operational excellence initiatives.

 

  • Building capability by extending people beyond their knowledge threshold
  • Understanding and practicing the Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata patterns
  • Comprehending the dynamics of a challenge and the importance of setting challenges
  • Grasping the nature of the current condition and the associated metrics that define it
  • Why identifying and removing obstacles is key to eliminating waste
  • Understanding the importance of experiments and small steps
  • Checking progress, coaching the worker and encouraging questions

Experience Impressive Results with Kata

Kata generates growth and value in your workplace by advancing thinking skills, contributions and self-respect in your workers.
Increase Improvement Ideas Exponentially

Expand the knowledge threshold and creativity on your frontlines

More Collaborative and Cooperative Environments

Builds trust, teamwork and synergy

Change the Mindset on the Frontline

Instill the concept of doing and thinking toward achievable improvement targets

Higher Job Satisfaction

Realize more engagement and self-satisfaction

Kata Delivers Results Across Multiple Industries

Kata has improved the contributions of supervisors and workers across a wide spectrum of industries. Whether your role is in Operations, Human Resources, Quality, Production or Customer Service and Satisfaction, Essential Kata can bring the kind of problem solving and continuous improvement that drive brilliant results.
Industries
Transportation
Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing
Energy & Environmental
Distribution & Retail
Government & Institutions

Frontline Improvements Through Kata Programs

25

%
Reduction in Grievances/Manufacturing

110

%
Improvement in Employee Engagement/Healthcare

23

%
Reduction in Turnover/Manufacturing

70

%
Reduction in Manpower Costs/Transportation
These statistics represent documented composite results from actual improvements measured in client engagements and tracking metrics from the U.S. government.

Our end-to-end approach sets us apart

Our proven methods stretch far beyond essential TWI, Kata and Standardized Work training. From initial preparation to ongoing consulting, we prepare people and workplaces for continuous improvement, better outcomes and increased engagement.
  1. 1
    Preparation
  2. 2
    Education
  3. 3
    Adoption
  4. 4
    Integration
  5. 5
    Certification
  6. 6
    Continuation
Step One:
Preparation

We start with an assessment and provide tailored recommendations for your workers and your workplace. KPIs are set, a communication strategy is planned and workforce orientation begins.

Step Two:
Education

Supervisors, team leaders and those who direct the work of others attend, participate and learn in our cornerstone programs: TWI, Kata and Standardized Work.

Step Three:
Adoption

We work with you to plan a pilot program and teams begin to learn by doing. Through workplace practice and coaching, we help students accept the ideas and put them to work. We’re with you through every step of the journey.

Step Four:
Integration

We assess learning, validate pilot results, incorporate skills into routines, evaluate practices and culture, and measure performance against KPIs.

Step Five:
Certification

We execute worker and workplace certifications, including TWI Certification (student and trainer), Kata Certification (student and trainer), and Train-the-Trainer Certification.

Step Six:
Continuation

We stay connected with planned reassessments, KPI checks, remedial coaching, and re-certifications to protect and grow your return on investment.

What Our Clients Say

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I got so much from it (Kata Workshop) and I am excited to begin applying the pattern. I am completely impressed by how you serve others through your teaching and sharing, it is truly admirable.
From Fishback Financial
Fishback Financial, Kata workshop (Essential Kata, Foundations & Simulation, and Driving and Coaching Programs page)

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Explore Kata Programs

An introduction to Kata practice is a cornerstone program in TWI Institute’s offering. Round out your improvement planning with programs that build stronger supervisor/worker relationships, add new levels of trust and collaboration, and fuel new improvement ideas.

See where TWI Institute can take you.

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