So Now You Know What Lean Is, How Do You Get Started?

Ready to bring Lean principles into your laboratory? Getting started is simpler than you might think—it’s all about taking that first step toward positive change.

Begin by gathering your team for a candid conversation about daily challenges and pain points in your workflow. Take a walk through your laboratory together, observing and mapping out how work actually flows (or sometimes doesn’t) from start to finish. Pick one small process that frustrates your team and make it your first improvement project. Maybe it’s reorganizing supplies to reduce walking time or streamlining specimen receiving to prevent bottlenecks.

The key is starting small, celebrating quick wins, and building momentum. These types of changes don’t just improve efficiency—they also contribute to a healthier work environment. In fact, safety and health resources workers can use inside of their workplace can directly support your Lean efforts by reinforcing best practices that reduce risk and waste simultaneously.

Of course, human behavior also plays a role in how teams adapt to change. It’s worth recognizing how peer relationships can negatively affect social health—especially if group dynamics create resistance to improvement. Being mindful of communication styles and team dynamics will go a long way in making Lean stick.

And while Lean is about process, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Real-world barriers, like limited budgets or institutional policies, often affect how quickly change can happen. That’s why it’s important to understand which of the following represents a reason public health recommendations may lag behind science?—insight that can help your team navigate similar friction within your own organization.

Lean isn’t about making perfect changes—it’s about making continuous improvements that add up over time. Your team’s front-line experience is your greatest asset, so encourage everyone to share ideas and take ownership of solutions. Before you know it, you’ll have created a culture where improvement becomes part of your daily routine.