How CoP Involvement Fuels Lean Growth
Building a successful Lean career takes more than learning the tools. It requires practice, perspective, and ongoing exposure to how Lean is applied across real teams and projects. That’s where LCI’s Communities of Practice (CoPs) can accelerate Lean growth to make a meaningful difference.
What is an LCI Community of Practice?
LCI Communities of Practice (CoP) are regional, locally led groups for design and construction professionals who want to learn, share, and strengthen their Lean practice.
Through local programming and peer connection, CoPs give participants a place to explore Lean in action, learn from others’ experiences, and build relationships across roles, organizations, and markets.
Each community reflects the realities of its local design and construction environment while staying connected to the broader Lean network, through a wide range of events including:
- Lean Coffee discussions
- Project site visits (Gemba Walks)
- Case study presentations
- Peer-led roundtables
- Interactive workshops and webinars
View Upcoming Events in Your Area
5 Ways LCI CoP Involvement Supports Lean Growth
1. Learn Lean Through Real-World Application
Joining a CoP can help bridge the gap between learning Lean principles and understanding how they show up in active project environments. You’ll gain practical insight from peers who are navigating real constraints, adapting tools, and finding better ways to support their teams.
“I wanted to get beyond just learning Lean concepts and actually hear how people were using them on real projects. Joining my CoP felt like a good way to connect with others and learn from real experiences, not just theory.” –Angela Bowman, Design Integration Team Lead at The Boldt Company
2. Build a Network of Lean-Minded Peers
If Lean support is limited within your own organization, a CoP creates access to a wider network of professionals who are committed to improving how work gets done. These relationships can offer encouragement, fresh perspective, and real examples from people applying Lean across different teams, roles, and regions.
“I didn’t know anyone else who was interested in Lean. I needed a community to connect to, people and relationships and field-tested ideas, what works for you stories.” –Darlene Cadman, Consulting Specialist, Architect at Weft Strategies LP
3. Strengthen Collaboration Across the Whole Team
CoP participation can broaden your view of the people and roles involved in project delivery. By engaging with perspectives from across the industry, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what different partners need in order to succeed, leading to stronger communication, more trust, and improved outcomes.
“Because of my involvement in my local CoP, I experience a high level of empathy for my construction team partners. This really helps me as an owner representative to understand the conditions of satisfaction for the whole team and how I can better communicate with them for better project outcomes.” –Tom Martin, Regional Manager, Facility & Property Services at Sutter Health
4. Bring Practical, Field-Tested Ideas Back to Your Teams
CoP participation provides exposure to ideas that have been tested, refined, and adapted in real project environments. By hearing what others have tried, including what worked and what changed along the way, you’ll be able to bring new approaches back to your team to support planning, problem-solving, communication, and continuous improvement.
“I’m more intentional about bringing people together and learning from each other. My CoP has helped me share ideas more openly and bring practical, field-tested approaches back to my teams.” –Emily Lowe, Director of Lean, Innovation Department at The Butz Family of Companies
5. Grow as a Lean Leader
For many CoP participants, involvement becomes more than a learning opportunity. It can open the door to greater contribution, visibility, and influence within their organization or local Lean community. By volunteering, facilitating, or helping shape local programming, you can develop leadership skills while helping others grow.
“My involvement in my CoP has given me drive and energy to leverage Lean tools and tactics in both my project work and my organization. I seek to drive continuous improvement into all aspects of my area of influence.” –Denis Stroup, Vice President, Client Service Leader, Healthcare at Barge Design
Find a Community of Practice Near You
Whether you’re new to Lean, looking to deepen your practice, or ready to take on a more active role in your local Lean community, an LCI CoP can help you stay connected, keep learning, and bring new ideas back to your work.
LCI Communities of Practice are active across the United States, with new communities continuing to form as interest grows.