Kata coaching : Fostering lean culture trough scientific thinking

Introduction 

As managers, supervisors engineers or even analyst in profitable organization. we were fully understand that lean thinking and scientific thingking are oraganization must have culture.

Why?

Because without those, the company will facing difficult time.  It happens with many indutrial giant which inevitably meet it downfall due lack of scientific thinking & lean thinking. Such as Kodak, Toshiba or Nokia which now facing difficulties in term of profitability.

one quote from last speech from nokia CEO were made one of learning by many organization :

 “we didn’t do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost”

As lean practicioners wirh decade experience , In this blog I would not discuss the concept  of toyota production system. Instead I will discuss how to built on the lean and scientific thingking by using kata coaching, as middle managers role in profitable organization.

What  is Kata Coaching?

As one of most famous tools for lean production system. Kata coaching Play important role in shaping company culture into more effective organization. Since it is promotes scientific thinking aand made the best idea wins. To summariza kata coaching is

Kata coaching is set of coaching between superior and it is subordinate in skills of Analyze an issue. It is widely used in order to promote scientific thinking and problem solving.

Kata coaching principle

Kata Coaching using CAPD cycle method and principles. It always started by checking the issue and compare with the standard. When there are deviations between actual and standard it’s counted as issues.

Kata coaching using CAPD cycle as key thinking principles. Coupling with coaching methodology between employee and it supervisors, Kata coaching enables people development organically within organization.

Kata coaching are set of lean production system, which materializes tacit knowledge from the mentor to mentee. It happens with series of coaching between employee and it is supervisors trough analyzing issues with structured approach.

Transforming tacit knowledge to insights by CAPD principles

Kata coaching are set of lean production system, which materializes tacit knowledge from the mentor to mentee. It happens with series of coaching between employee and it is supervisors trough analyzing issues with structured approach.

Kata Coaching using CAPD cycle method and principles. It always started by checking the issue and compare with the standard. When there are deviations between actual and standard it’s counted as issues

Who should do Kata Coaching ?

Kata coaching are tools to fostering collaboration and scientific thingking. It is widespread adoption across different industry. By my own experience in practicing lean within decade, kata coaching done by :

The best way to do Kata coaching s done from lower to mid levels management within organizations. Since it will help to nurture leader organically within organizations.

Kata coaching best implemented in lower to middle management level. Since it will be helping oraganization grew leader organically from inside organization. Kata Coaching also being used as mentor and mentee sessions. Which

Kata coaching Tools

During implementations of kata coaching, standard template needed in order to get the same outcomes. Since kata coaching are program which majority human interaction.

There are two main tools for kata coaching, which is

1. Kata coaching card
2. A3 problem solving

Those tools plays different role, and different stages in problem-solving.

Kata coaching card

This tool are essential during kata coaching program implementations. This card used during discussions and Brainstorming of current issues. The purpose of using this card was to put trainee thinking structure. This card primarily using CAPD cycle method.

Theee are two sides of the card  that shaped the trainee mindset. First side to ask about gap from current state and the other side of the card telling about the structured approach for problem-solving.

 A3 problem-solving

A3 problem solving is closely integrated with Toyota Kata coaching, a method designed to instill scientific thinking in new team members. Kata coaching involves a continuous cycle of planning, executing, reflecting, and learning, which aligns perfectly with the principles of A3 problem solving.

This synergy helps team members develop a mindset focused on continuous improvement and problem-solving. By combining A3 problem solving with Kata coaching, Toyota ensures that its employees are not only equipped with the tools to solve problems but also understand the underlying principles of scientific thinking and iterative learning.

Benefit implementations of kata coaching

Kata coaching are systematic tools that enables people development. One of benefit is able to create an organized workspaces for lean thinking and iterative questioning

Benefit Implementations of Kata Coaching

Enable Organic Growth

Kata coaching fosters organic growth by encouraging teams to develop a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. Rather than relying on rigid, top-down directives, employees engage in structured problem-solving and experimentation. This approach helps organizations evolve naturally, as team members proactively identify challenges and implement incremental solutions. Over time, this iterative process drives sustainable innovation, allowing the business to adapt to changing environments and remain competitive.

Sustain Lean Culture

A key benefit of Kata coaching is its ability to sustain a lean culture by embedding improvement routines into daily operations. Traditional lean initiatives often lose momentum over time, but with Kata coaching, employees continuously refine processes through scientific thinking and PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycles. By reinforcing structured problem-solving and coaching techniques, Kata ensures that lean principles become a natural part of an organization’s workflow, preventing stagnation and sustaining long-term efficiency.

Empower People

Kata coaching empowers employees by giving them the skills and confidence to solve problems independently. Instead of relying on management for solutions, team members learn to ask the right questions, analyze challenges, and experiment with improvements. This empowerment not only increases engagement and ownership but also strengthens leadership at all levels. By fostering a proactive workforce that embraces challenges with a problem-solving mindset, organizations can cultivate a high-performance culture driven by continuous improvement and innovation.

Training & certification provider for kata coaching

If you’re seeking Kata coaching training and certification in Singapore, here are some reputable providers to consider:

1. Eagles Wings Consulting Pte Ltd: Based in Singapore, they offer Toyota Kata training that combines teaching, exercises, and practice to help organizations create valuable human capital and drive lean initiatives.

2. GoMasterCoach: While not exclusively focused on Kata coaching, GoMasterCoach provides ICF-accredited coaching certification programs in Singapore and online. Their programs can equip you with essential coaching skills applicable in various contexts.

For international options, the TWI Institute offers comprehensive Kata training and certification programs designed to engage participants in learning the fundamentals of Kata and its application in achieving organizational goals.

Additionally, KAIZEN™ provides Kata Coaching & Kata Improvement training focusing on methodologies that empower leaders to acquire essential skills for effective coaching execution.

These programs can often be accessed online, providing flexibility regardless of your location.

Company Implementing kata coaching

Several companies and industries are adopting Kata coaching to improve operations and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Here are some notable examples and sectors implementing these practices:

1. Toyota: As the originator of Kata principles, Toyota integrates Improvement and Coaching Kata into its daily operations to drive continuous process improvements. This approach underpins the company’s success in lean manufacturing【8】【9】.

2. Healthcare: Baptist Memorial Hospital has used Kata coaching to develop a problem-solving culture among staff, leading to measurable improvements in healthcare delivery and operational efficiency【8】【10】.

3. Software Development and Tech: Many Agile and DevOps teams apply Kata coaching to improve workflows, enhance software quality, and build more adaptive development processes【10】.

4. Education: Schools and educational institutions use Kata techniques to refine teaching methods and encourage innovative problem-solving among educators and students【10】.

5. Manufacturing and Services: Beyond Toyota, other manufacturers and service-oriented organizations are adopting Kata coaching to streamline processes, improve customer service, and build organizational resilience【9】【10】.

If you’re looking for companies with structured Kata coaching programs, Toyota remains a pioneer, but industries like healthcare and technology are rapidly integrating these methods to foster innovation and adaptability. These practices emphasize iterative learning, scientific thinking, and a coaching mindset to empower individuals and teams【8】【10】.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kata coaching is a powerful methodology that helps organizations instill a culture of continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and scientific thinking. Originating from Toyota’s lean management practices, it has been widely adopted in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, education, and software development. Companies like Toyota and institutions such as Baptist Memorial Hospital have successfully implemented Kata coaching to drive innovation, streamline operations, and develop leadership skills【8】【9】【10】.

By following the Improvement and Coaching Kata cycles, organizations can cultivate a mindset of iterative learning, data-driven decision-making, and proactive problem-solving. While challenges such as resistance to change and resource allocation exist, businesses that commit to this approach can achieve sustainable growth and adaptability in a competitive landscape【10】.