Frame the problem
Define the gap, context, baseline, affected people and what has already been tried.
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Problem Clinic
Bring a Real Problem. Leave with Better Questions.
A collaborative editorial format where practitioners examine an unresolved operational challenge, test assumptions and suggest safe next experiments—without selling a predetermined solution.
Propose a ProblemExplore Practice ExchangeWhat Is the Lean Community Problem Clinic?
The Problem Clinic is a structured, problem-first discussion around a real improvement challenge. A host practitioner explains the context and evidence. Invited contributors then compare interpretations and possible next experiments using Lean Management, TWI, Toyota Kata, TOC, Six Sigma, Hoshin Kanri, S&OP, systems thinking and related approaches.
How a Problem Clinic Works
Check assumptions
Separate observed facts from interpretation and identify missing evidence.
Compare approaches
Practitioners offer different lenses without claiming one universal answer.
Choose a next experiment
Translate discussion into a small, responsible test and a way to evaluate learning.
What Makes a Useful Submission?
A specific challenge
Describe a real performance, flow, capability, leadership or planning gap—not a broad topic.
Visible context
Share the process, industry, scale, constraints and relevant stakeholder needs.
Evidence and uncertainty
Include available measures and observations, while clearly marking estimates and unknowns.
Permission and confidentiality
Anonymize sensitive details and confirm that you may share the remaining information.
Editorial Safeguards
Problem Clinic contributions are reviewed for clarity, usefulness, conflicts of interest and protection of confidential information. Contributors disclose relevant commercial relationships. Suggestions are presented as hypotheses or experiments, not guaranteed prescriptions. Where a participating organization confirms central facts, that verification is labelled; otherwise the limits of available evidence remain explicit.
Propose a Challenge for the Clinic
Tell us what is happening, what you expected instead, what you have already tried and what kind of practitioner perspective would help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my organization need to be named?
No. A case may be anonymized when context remains sufficient for useful discussion and the editorial team can assess the submission responsibly.
Will contributors provide consulting advice?
The Clinic is an editorial learning format, not a consulting engagement. Contributors compare perspectives and possible experiments; the host remains responsible for decisions.
Can an unsuccessful experiment be featured?
Yes. Clear evidence about what did not work and which assumption changed often creates exceptional learning value.
Who can contribute to a Clinic?
Practitioners, frontline leaders, managers, researchers, coaches and specialists with relevant experience may be invited or submit a perspective.