Start with a problem, not a solution

Lean manufacturing is the most common phrase I hear General Managers state when they discuss their vision for the plant they manage.  The reason for this?  It gives them more data.  Leaders are already drowning in an ocean of data.  Increasing the amount of data solves nothing.  You have to start with properly identifying what is wrong, and what the core problems are.  Otherwise, you are left with an idea that worked somewhere else and you hope it works for you.  Not a great strategy.