Mr. Miyagi in unknown territory

Mr. Miyagi, was going through his normal work just like any other day, until he got a call from an unknown person, who introduced himself as Allan. Allan went on to explain how he got the contact number of Mr.Miyagi and how many recommended the service offered by him. So to Mr.Miyagi, it was clear, Allan is a client interested in lean. So he asked, “Mr.Allan, how I may help you?”. First please call me Allan, no Mr. is required. Then I am interested in implementing lean manufacturing principles in my workplace, replied Allan. Well, OK. Said Mr. Miyagi. Can I know little more about your organization, he added.

Well, we do programing for our clients. Our software helps to improve their efficiencies. We currently have 32 people working for us altogether, including me. I am the owner and the CEO of the company, said Allan without a pause in between. OK, how can I help you, asked Mr. Miyagi. After a little pose, Allan replied. Well, we have few issues. With the recent growth of our organization, we are struggling meeting our deadlines. We are frequently getting complaints about the performances of our products. And we are losing some money too. We need your help to come out of these issues.

Mr. Miyagi is not a techie, so he had his share of concerns when it came to working with a high tech company like Mr. Allan’s. So Mr. Miyagi asked “Allan, I am not a technical person. I am not sure how I may help you?” that is exactly what I want, replied Allan with enthusiasm. We got few of most renowned consultants to help us here. And we hired some of the most talented project managers in the industry. But we couldn’t come out of the problem. When I was speaking to one of my friends, he recommended you. Apparently he was in similar situation and you have helped him out of his issue. Who was your friend asked Mr. Miyagi with some enthusiasm. My friend is Dave, running the paint shop near your place, replied Allan. OK, said Mr. Miyagi. His mind went through the pleasant memories and challenges he faced in that implementation. Mr. Miyagi thought to himself, “let’s give it a try. I should be able to manage it”, and said “OK, Allan, I will have a look. When can I come to meet you?” Tomorrow, replied Allan immediately. Mr. Miyagi agreed to pay a visit the other day, and made few notes in his notebook. And he collected some of the information on the web. He studied how software companies work and compared it with the information he gathered on Allan’s software firm.

As agreed, Next day, 10 am, Mr. Miyagi was in office to meet Allan. The office looked funny at the first glance. Most of the people who seem to be working in the office, did not wear formal stuff. They wear T-shirts, shorts or anything they can grab. Mr. Miyagi was struggling to find the way to reception, and found later that there is no reception. But with one very helpful young guy, he found Allan’s desk, but couldn’t find Allan. “He will be little late and will be here in 10 minutes”, said a girl emerged from the clutter. “Thanks” Said Mr. Miyagi and he went on to observe the office.

It was clearly a different experience. The desks were not boring like in a traditional office. All the desks had something of interest for that person, like a photographs, ornaments, flowers, plenty of soda cans and so on. Everyone was taking to each other freely. Some had their headphones on. Some can be seen playing computer games. Mr. Miyagi imagined trying to implement one of the basics of lean, 5S, here in this office. He couldn’t stand that thought and started smiling. In addition, unlike most of the places Mr. Miyagi was working, he couldn’t find immediate signs of problem like huge piles of WIP, mountains of rejected products and so on. So he was challenged by what he saw. By very nature, Mr. Miyagi loved the challenge.

Time passed by, now the time is 10.25. Still there is no sign of Allan. Mr. Miyagi was little upset, thought about calling Allan on his mobile number. But at the end decided to go. He walked out of the building stopped a cab and he is on his way back.

While he was travelling, Mr. Miyagi was thinking about what he saw, and trying to relate that to the problems the company faced. He wandered, “is every software company like this? If so why only these guys face problems while others don’t?”

What do you think? Why Allan’s organization is facing these issues? Do you think there is something wrong in this culture? Or do you see any other root cause? Please leave your thoughts as a comment below. In addition, if you like the story so far, please let the world know by clicking on the “LIKE” button below. Story will continue soon..

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