lean

As we step into 2026, we’re reminded of what makes the Center for Operational Excellence so special—our members. This consortium is built on the belief that we are stronger when we learn from one another, and over the years, we’ve had the privilege of hearing countless member stories through webinars, Summit breakouts, and site tours. These stories reflect the authenticity and openness of our community with its willingness to share both successes and challenges. These stories also reveal the depth of expertise and brilliance that exists across our network.

As we consider today’s economic landscape, the need for lean leadership has never been more pronounced. In recent conversations with many of our member organizations, we’ve heard time and again of cost-cutting measures, far-reaching impacts of the pandemic, and ongoing hiring and restructuring challenges that have resulted in smaller workforces. Leaders are being challenged to do more with less.

As you prepare your organization’s at least partial return to the office, I urge you to take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned about the work. Treat the four months since the Covid-19 pandemic sent millions of workers in various occupations to shelter and work at home as an experiment. The slice of the workforce that was able to move their work to home—estimated to be somewhat more than a third of all workers—includes the group known as knowledge workers.