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How to Get Involved With Your LCI Community of Practice

How to Get Involved With Your LCI Community of Practice

Lean doesn’t live in theory. It lives in conversations, shared experiences, and real project challenges. LCI’s Communities of Practice (CoPs) bring professionals together to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and strengthen Lean thinking through peer connection.

Whether you’re new to Lean or years into your journey, your local CoP offers a place to help sharpen both your thinking and your impact.

What is an LCI Community of Practice?

An LCI Community of Practice (CoP) is a regional network of Lean practitioners who gather regularly to advance Lean thinking and improve project delivery in their area. Each community reflects the realities of its local design and construction environment while staying connected to the broader Lean network.

Each CoP is locally led and nationally supported by LCI, with meetings designed around shared learning and practical application. CoPs create a consistent forum for working through challenges, exchanging ideas and strengthening Lean practice over time, with formats including:

  • Lean Coffee discussions
  • Project site visits (Gemba Walks)
  • Case study presentations
  • Peer-led roundtables
  • Interactive workshops (virtual and in-person)

Why Should I Get Involved in My Community of Practice?

Lean practices are evolving quickly. Getting involved with an LCI Community of Practice is one of the most valuable ways to deepen your Lean learning and expand your professional network.

Expand Your Professional Network

Lean doesn’t grow in isolation; it grows in community. CoPs bring together owners, designers, trade partners, constructors, and industry partners who share a commitment to improving outcomes. These relationships build trust across organizations and roles, often strengthening collaboration beyond the meeting room.

Solve Real Project Challenges

Professional learning does not always come from formal training. Often, it comes from conversation:

  • Hearing how another team solved a challenge you are currently facing
  • Learning why a specific approach did not work on a real project
  • Exploring different perspectives that challenge your assumptions

CoPs create a safe, peer-driven environment to explore these topics openly and constructively.

Turn Lean Thinking Into Local Action

Lean principles may be global, but change happens locally. Each CoP reflects the realities of its market, project types, and workforce. From jobsite walks to roundtable discussions, CoPs help translate Lean thinking into action where it matters most – on projects in your community.

Grow as a Lean Champion

If you’re looking to grow as a Lean champion within your organization or region, your CoP provides a natural platform to lead, allowing you to:

  • Practice facilitation
  • Share project lessons learned
  • Host site visits
  • Contribute to discussions that shape regional Lean adoption

Leadership often begins by simply showing up and engaging consistently – and CoPs make that first step accessible!

How do I Get Involved in My Community of Practice?

The steps below will help you find your local CoP, attend your first event, and begin building meaningful connections within the Lean community!

Step 1: Find a Community of Practice Near You

LCI Communities of Practice are located throughout the United States, serving major metropolitan areas and regions. New communities continue to form as interest grows.

Find Your Local LCI Community of Practice

Step 2: Register for an Upcoming Event

Each CoP hosts regular events that are listed on the LCI events calendar. Browse upcoming meetings and select one that aligns with your interests or current project challenges.

View Upcoming Events

Step 3: Show Up and Engage

Participation is what makes Communities of Practice effective! Introduce yourself, ask questions, share experiences, and listen actively. The more you engage, the more value you will gain!

Step 4: Stay Connected

Lean participation is strengthened through ongoing dialogue and collaboration. After attending your first session: