The Joy of Standards: Solve problems and save effort with (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781523372683)

I have consolidated 10 years of practical lean application, across 25 years of business experience. If you work in a small business, a global enterprise or anything between, I have worked in a similar range of companies. I cleaned offices when I was at school, worked with around 100 companies in my early 20s and then settled down with 2 global leaders, of their respective industries, for the last 20 years. I spent the first 5 years of my career becoming a qualified accountant; auditing around 100 enterprises from the retail, wholesale, service and manufacturing industries. Enjoyment came from being in a team, creating a solution and training others. Reflection tells me I was looking in the business rear view mirror. I spent the next 5 years of my career as a management accountant working on management reporting, business planning and systems implementation. I had moved from the rear view mirror to the dashboard, but I was not driving the car. I also spent 5 years as a financial controller; I thought I was the driver. In business terms I was the co-pilot (the finance function contributes to the business effectiveness; it does not usually generate revenue or facilitate customer products). Then my perspective changed, I became a lean coach and completed a master's degree in Lean Operations. Finally I see myself as a driving instructor; helping people learn how to navigate the business tests thrown at them. All this would not be possible without people. All the people I have had the pleasure to work and study with; the time and patience that they have given me will never be forgotten. Questions are welcome, knowledge is to be shared not horded, please feel free to contact me on LinkedIn. James Sandfield FCCA MSc January 2016