HORENSO – (REPORT, CONTACT AND CONSULT)
The HoRenSo system
Japanese problem solving system is sometimes abbreviated as Ho (hokoku, or Report), Ren (renraku, or Contact) and So (sodan, or Consult). This system says that when a problem occurs, workers should Report the issue, and not keep it to themselves. They should Contact the relevant people, the foreman or the Japanese coordinator in this case. Instead of assuming that they can fix it themselves, they should Consult with others to get their advice.
Not just for blue collar workers
Reading this, you probably agree that HoRenSo system is appropriate and necessary for factory workers working with expensive machinery. However, it is just as necessary for engineers and managers who work with the Japanese to use HoRenSo. It is critical to Report, Contact and Consult the Japanese when problems occur, so that they have a sense of your thought processes and can help you come up with the solution.