Are You Familiar with “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement”?

What on earth took me so long to read “The Goal” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox? The first edition came out in 1984.

Several years ago a close friend, Max Krug, introduced me to the book “The Goal” as well as the Theory of Constraints.

Consequently, Max is a Theory of Constraints (TOC) expert and consultant.

Max preaches maximizing efficiency and throughput.

He is an operational excellence guru and thankfully he recommended this outstanding book.

To learn more about Max, click here to connect with him on LinkedIn. 

“The Goal” is a rare business book that demonstrates a game-changing philosophy and strategy described in a fictional story.

A gripping story on a strategy that flows as a page-turning novel.

This business classic is truly a must read for any entrepreneur or business manager.

Especially for those in manufacturing. Minimizing constraints while maximizing efficiency and profits is the name of the game. 

What is “The Goal”? 

Instead of a book just based on theories with potentially boring calculations and business models, the authors tell a fictional story of a plant manager who is obsessed with his work.

The book opens with the protagonist, Alex Rogo, plant manager of UniCo pulling into the company parking lot.

Only to find his parking space occupied by a Mercedes. Even though the parking lot is nearly empty.

The Mercedes occupying his parking space belongs Bill Peach, division vice president.

Bill Peach visits Alex’s plant to address order #41427 that is not only 7 weeks late but also belongs to UniCo’s largest customer.

Needless to say, this extremely important customer is not pleased.

The division vice president then informs Alex that he has three months to turn the plant around.

Otherwise, Peach plans to go to the management committee with a recommendation to close the plant.

90 days. That’s it!

Combined with rumors flying around that the entire division will be sold if a turnaround doesn’t come soon.

So the journey begins with Alex trying to become a hero and save the day. Save the plant. In addition, save his job as well as his career.

Additionally, Alex is tasked with preventing the damage that a plant closure causes a small community.

Saving hundreds of jobs as well as all of the families that would be negatively impacted.

Furthermore, the book describes the challenges that a manager faces not only with job security and the threat of his plant being closed, but also his own personal struggles at home.

Work-life balance is a hot topic commonly discussed today. Marital problems. Raising kids. That is all here. 

Jonah to the Rescue

While waiting in an airline lounge for a connection at O’Hare, Alex runs into Jonah.

Jonah was a physicist professor that Alex knew from college.

Alex received a grant to study the mathematical models that Jonah was working on at the time.

Alex updates Jonah on his career and shares exciting information on UniCo.

Jonah immediately sees through Alex’s exaggeration of optimism (aka B.S.) and starts questioning Alex about the inefficiencies at his plant.

Alex is dumbfounded and questions how could an academic understand his business and manufacturing?

“I am a scientist”, Jonah says “And right now you could say I’m doing work in the science of organizations in particular.”

Jonah continues…..

“Productivity is the act of bringing a company closer to its goal. Every action that brings a company closer to its goal is productive. Every action that does not bring a company closer to its goal is not productive.”

Sounds simple enough, right?

Alex tries to explain how his plant measures efficiencies through benchmarks and formulas.

Jonah explains….

“You think you’re running an efficient plant….but your thinking is wrong”.

“The Goal” = The Theory of Constraints

As Jonah boards his plane, he leaves Alex with the burning thought………

“Alex, you cannot understand the meaning of productivity unless you know what the goal is. Until then, you’re just playing a lot of games with numbers and words.”

That meeting kicks off Alex’s quest to discover “The Goal”.

Alex finally discovers “The Goal” of his plant. Sustainability. 

Once Alex finally discovers “The Goal”, then his adventure truly begins.

How to actually obtain “The Goal”?

• Identify constraints
• Maximize throughput
• Increase profits
• Lower expenses
• Decrease inventory
• Improve inventory turnover
• Reduce lead times
• Hit delivery times

To discover if Alex saves the plant along with the hundreds of jobs, grab yourself a copy of “The Goal” today! 

Wrapping It Up

Thank you for reading our post. 

To learn more, click here to go to the Theory of Constraints Institute. 

For additional book reviews, check out these links below: 

• Alison Levine Takes You to Exhilarating Heights with “On the Edge”
• “Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders”
• Building Trust Boosts “Powerful Personal Brands” with Ben Baker