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Lessons From 
Washington State Government’s 
Lean Transformation Journey 
Darrell Damron 
Enterprise Lean Consultant 
Office of the Governor
We’re all here because . . . 
We want to 
consistently deliver 
results over the 
long-term!
Today’s Agenda 
• Background on WA’s Lean Journey 
• Innovation Using 7 Levels of Change 
• 3 Strategies & Lessons 
1. Engage Leaders 
2. Partner with Experts 
3. Grow Informal Networks
WA State Gov Lean Journey 
We have a long history of improvement efforts, AND 
we’re just getting started on the lean transformation journey! 
1991 ‐ 2005 2005 ‐ 2010 2011 Governor 
Election 
2013
Indicators of Engagement
Indicators of Engagement
Indicators of Engagement 
Cut transportation 
permit processing time 
15 
days 
9 
days 
Before After
Indicators of Engagement 
Reduced by 2/3 the steps a 
student takes from 
admission to sitting in class 
Before 
After
Indicators of Engagement 
Reduced time to 
complete audit appeals 
Saved employers $1.7 
million in interest 
66 
days 
441 
days 
Before 
After http://picturesofmoney.Image source: org/holding‐a‐stack‐of‐money/
Indicators of Engagement 
More Calls 
in 
Less 
Time 
with 
Same 
Staff 
45,000 
Calls 
Answered 
Before 
33,000 
Calls 
Answered 
65% in 1 min After 76% in 1 min
Indicators of Engagement 
• Cut the costs of X-rays, 
• Sped up child-abuse investigations 
• Helped more clients find work
Indicators of Engagement
Innovation - 7 Levels of Change 
1 
Doing the right things 
• Effectiveness, focus, and working to priorities 
Doing things right 
• Efficiency, standards, and variation reduction 
Doing things better 
• Improving, thinking logically about what we are doing, listening to 
suggestions 
Doing away with things 
• Cutting, asking “why do we do this?”, simplifying, stopping what 
doesn’t really matter 
2 
3 
4 
Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith
Innovation – 7 Levels of Change 
Doing things other people are doing 
• Observing, copying, seeking out best practice 
Doing things no one else is doing 
• Being really different, combining existing concepts, 
asking “why not?” 
Doing things that cannot be done 
• Doing what is commonly thought to be impossible, 
questioning basic assumptions, breaking the rules, 
being a little crazy 
5 
6 
7 
Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith
On your journey so far, what are you 
most proud of being part of? 
1 
2 
3 
4 
Doing the right things (effective) 
Doing things right (efficient) 
Doing things better (improving) 
Doing away with things (cutting) 
Doing things other people are doing (adapting) 
Doing things no one else is doing (different) 
Doing things that cannot be done (impossible) 
Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith 
5 
6 
7
3 Strategies, 3 Lessons 
# Strategy Lesson 
1 Engage 
Leaders 
Engaged leaders are the 
key to sustained results 
2 Partner with 
experts 
Experts are out there & 
willing to help 
3 Grow 
informal 
networks 
Informal networks 
accelerate culture change
Engage Partner Grow 
Engage 
Leaders! 
All 
Levels
Engage Partner Grow 
Engaged 
leaders are 
the key to 
sustained 
results! 
All 
Levels
Engage Partner Grow 
We’re using Lean to help us deliver better 
value to more Washingtonians.
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Agency Directors 
5 Goals
Engage Partner Grow 
Goal Council Leadership 
Operations 
Budget Policy
Engage Partner Grow 
Results Review with Governor Inslee
Engage Partner Grow 
Governor Inslee Gemba Walks 
Go 
And 
See
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
The Transformation Model was adapted from The Lean Transformation Model articulated by John Shook, Chairman and CEO of Lean Enterprise Institute.
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
• Discover what Washingtonians value 
• Set measurable goals & targets at all levels 
• Involve every employee in developing 
strategies
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
• Deeply understand 
processes 
• Improve current work as part 
of normal work 
• Design innovative new work 
processes
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
• Develop scientific problem 
solving skills in every 
employee 
• Develop humble coaching 
skills in every leader
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
• Focus on 
improving the 
process 
• Go & see 
work 
• Ask questions 
to understand 
• Make work 
visible 
• Have a 
cadence for 
frequently 
talking about 
the process 
performance
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
• Create value for 
Washingtonians 
• Create constancy of 
purpose 
• Think systemically 
• Focus on process 
• Embrace scientific 
thinking 
• Make what 
customers need, 
when they need it 
• Build quality in 
• Seek perfection 
• Lead with humility 
• Respect every 
individual
Engage Partner Grow 
WA State Results Model 
The Transformation Model was adapted from The Lean Transformation Model articulated by John Shook, Chairman and CEO of Lean Enterprise Institute.
Engage Partner Grow 
Ways to Engage 
• Change Expectations 
• Provide Support 
• Walk the Talk 
• Share Information
Engage Partner Grow 
Exercise: 
Can’t because Can if . . . 
“We can engage leaders if . . .”
Engage Partner Grow 
Partner 
With 
Experts!
Engage Partner Grow 
Experts are out 
there & willing 
to help; you just 
have to ask!
Engage Partner Grow 
In The First Three Years 
Advice, Training, Coaching, & Tours from 
Partners Organizations 
pro bono publico
Engage Partner Grow 
Examples of Industry Partners 
• Alaska Airlines 
• Genie/Terex 
• The Boeing Company 
• Liberty Mutual 
• Starbucks
Engage Partner Grow 
Examples of Healthcare Partners 
• Virginia Mason Medical Center 
• Seattle Children’s Hospital 
• Seattle Children’s Research Institute 
• Premera Blue Cross 
• Philips Healthcare Ultrasound
Engage Partner Grow 
Leaders From Virginia Mason 
Coach 
Results WA Lean Fellows 
John Cooper Barbara Sandahl Eden Teachout Ariana Wood Matt Cronk
Engage Partner Grow 
4 Keys to Partnering 
1. Talk with Lean Experts 
2. Share Your Story 
3. Ask for Help 
4. Match Passion to Need
Engage Partner Grow 
Exercise: 
Can’t because Can if . . . 
“We can partner with experts if . . .”
Engage Partner Grow 
Grow 
Informal 
Networks!
Engage Partner Grow 
Informal networks 
accelerate culture 
change!
Engage Partner Grow 
Lean Practitioners 
All Voluntary Participation 
State 
Agencies
Engage Partner Grow 
Lean 
Advisors 
Agile 
Many Agencies . . . One Journey to Deliver Value
Engage Partner Grow 
Learning 
Building Trust 
Challenging Each Other 
Having Fun
Engage Partner Grow 
3 Steps to 
Growing Informal Networks 
1. Establish a common endeavor 
2. Meet Regularly 
3. Share Stories/Learning
Engage Partner Grow 
Exercise: 
Can’t because Can if . . . 
“We can grow informal 
networks if . . .”
Innovation – 7 Levels of Change 
1 
2 
3 
4 
Doing the right things (effective) 
Doing things right (efficient) 
Doing things better (improving) 
Doing away with things (cutting) 
Doing things other people are doing (adapting) 
Doing things no one else is doing (different) 
Doing things that cannot be done (impossible) 
Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith 
5 
6 
7
? ? ? 
? ? 
? 
? 
? 
? 
?
Encouraging Words For Us All 
“We 
can do 
hard 
things!”
Thank You! 
Please complete the session survey at: 
ame.org/survey 
Session Code: WP-33 
Lessons From Washington State’s 
Lean Transformation Journey 
Darrell Damron 
Enterprise Lean Consultant 
Office of the Governor 
Darrell.Damron@gov.wa.gov

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  • 1. Lessons From Washington State Government’s Lean Transformation Journey Darrell Damron Enterprise Lean Consultant Office of the Governor
  • 2. We’re all here because . . . We want to consistently deliver results over the long-term!
  • 3. Today’s Agenda • Background on WA’s Lean Journey • Innovation Using 7 Levels of Change • 3 Strategies & Lessons 1. Engage Leaders 2. Partner with Experts 3. Grow Informal Networks
  • 4. WA State Gov Lean Journey We have a long history of improvement efforts, AND we’re just getting started on the lean transformation journey! 1991 ‐ 2005 2005 ‐ 2010 2011 Governor Election 2013
  • 7. Indicators of Engagement Cut transportation permit processing time 15 days 9 days Before After
  • 8. Indicators of Engagement Reduced by 2/3 the steps a student takes from admission to sitting in class Before After
  • 9. Indicators of Engagement Reduced time to complete audit appeals Saved employers $1.7 million in interest 66 days 441 days Before After http://picturesofmoney.Image source: org/holding‐a‐stack‐of‐money/
  • 10. Indicators of Engagement More Calls in Less Time with Same Staff 45,000 Calls Answered Before 33,000 Calls Answered 65% in 1 min After 76% in 1 min
  • 11. Indicators of Engagement • Cut the costs of X-rays, • Sped up child-abuse investigations • Helped more clients find work
  • 13. Innovation - 7 Levels of Change 1 Doing the right things • Effectiveness, focus, and working to priorities Doing things right • Efficiency, standards, and variation reduction Doing things better • Improving, thinking logically about what we are doing, listening to suggestions Doing away with things • Cutting, asking “why do we do this?”, simplifying, stopping what doesn’t really matter 2 3 4 Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith
  • 14. Innovation – 7 Levels of Change Doing things other people are doing • Observing, copying, seeking out best practice Doing things no one else is doing • Being really different, combining existing concepts, asking “why not?” Doing things that cannot be done • Doing what is commonly thought to be impossible, questioning basic assumptions, breaking the rules, being a little crazy 5 6 7 Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith
  • 15. On your journey so far, what are you most proud of being part of? 1 2 3 4 Doing the right things (effective) Doing things right (efficient) Doing things better (improving) Doing away with things (cutting) Doing things other people are doing (adapting) Doing things no one else is doing (different) Doing things that cannot be done (impossible) Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith 5 6 7
  • 16. 3 Strategies, 3 Lessons # Strategy Lesson 1 Engage Leaders Engaged leaders are the key to sustained results 2 Partner with experts Experts are out there & willing to help 3 Grow informal networks Informal networks accelerate culture change
  • 17. Engage Partner Grow Engage Leaders! All Levels
  • 18. Engage Partner Grow Engaged leaders are the key to sustained results! All Levels
  • 19. Engage Partner Grow We’re using Lean to help us deliver better value to more Washingtonians.
  • 20. Engage Partner Grow WA State Agency Directors 5 Goals
  • 21. Engage Partner Grow Goal Council Leadership Operations Budget Policy
  • 22. Engage Partner Grow Results Review with Governor Inslee
  • 23. Engage Partner Grow Governor Inslee Gemba Walks Go And See
  • 24. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model The Transformation Model was adapted from The Lean Transformation Model articulated by John Shook, Chairman and CEO of Lean Enterprise Institute.
  • 25. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model • Discover what Washingtonians value • Set measurable goals & targets at all levels • Involve every employee in developing strategies
  • 26. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model • Deeply understand processes • Improve current work as part of normal work • Design innovative new work processes
  • 27. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model • Develop scientific problem solving skills in every employee • Develop humble coaching skills in every leader
  • 28. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model • Focus on improving the process • Go & see work • Ask questions to understand • Make work visible • Have a cadence for frequently talking about the process performance
  • 29. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model • Create value for Washingtonians • Create constancy of purpose • Think systemically • Focus on process • Embrace scientific thinking • Make what customers need, when they need it • Build quality in • Seek perfection • Lead with humility • Respect every individual
  • 30. Engage Partner Grow WA State Results Model The Transformation Model was adapted from The Lean Transformation Model articulated by John Shook, Chairman and CEO of Lean Enterprise Institute.
  • 31. Engage Partner Grow Ways to Engage • Change Expectations • Provide Support • Walk the Talk • Share Information
  • 32. Engage Partner Grow Exercise: Can’t because Can if . . . “We can engage leaders if . . .”
  • 33. Engage Partner Grow Partner With Experts!
  • 34. Engage Partner Grow Experts are out there & willing to help; you just have to ask!
  • 35. Engage Partner Grow In The First Three Years Advice, Training, Coaching, & Tours from Partners Organizations pro bono publico
  • 36. Engage Partner Grow Examples of Industry Partners • Alaska Airlines • Genie/Terex • The Boeing Company • Liberty Mutual • Starbucks
  • 37. Engage Partner Grow Examples of Healthcare Partners • Virginia Mason Medical Center • Seattle Children’s Hospital • Seattle Children’s Research Institute • Premera Blue Cross • Philips Healthcare Ultrasound
  • 38. Engage Partner Grow Leaders From Virginia Mason Coach Results WA Lean Fellows John Cooper Barbara Sandahl Eden Teachout Ariana Wood Matt Cronk
  • 39. Engage Partner Grow 4 Keys to Partnering 1. Talk with Lean Experts 2. Share Your Story 3. Ask for Help 4. Match Passion to Need
  • 40. Engage Partner Grow Exercise: Can’t because Can if . . . “We can partner with experts if . . .”
  • 41. Engage Partner Grow Grow Informal Networks!
  • 42. Engage Partner Grow Informal networks accelerate culture change!
  • 43. Engage Partner Grow Lean Practitioners All Voluntary Participation State Agencies
  • 44. Engage Partner Grow Lean Advisors Agile Many Agencies . . . One Journey to Deliver Value
  • 45. Engage Partner Grow Learning Building Trust Challenging Each Other Having Fun
  • 46. Engage Partner Grow 3 Steps to Growing Informal Networks 1. Establish a common endeavor 2. Meet Regularly 3. Share Stories/Learning
  • 47. Engage Partner Grow Exercise: Can’t because Can if . . . “We can grow informal networks if . . .”
  • 48. Innovation – 7 Levels of Change 1 2 3 4 Doing the right things (effective) Doing things right (efficient) Doing things better (improving) Doing away with things (cutting) Doing things other people are doing (adapting) Doing things no one else is doing (different) Doing things that cannot be done (impossible) Source book: The 7Levels of Change by Rolf Smith 5 6 7
  • 49. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
  • 50. Encouraging Words For Us All “We can do hard things!”
  • 51. Thank You! Please complete the session survey at: ame.org/survey Session Code: WP-33 Lessons From Washington State’s Lean Transformation Journey Darrell Damron Enterprise Lean Consultant Office of the Governor Darrell.Damron@gov.wa.gov