In choosing a Lean Enterprise Training and Consulting company to partner with for your transformation, you should insist on the following:

Implementation Experience
Having worked for one or 2 companies that used lean tools, or having an MBA, does not qualify someone to guide your company effectively to breakthrough results. Look for someone who has worked for world renown Lean Enterprises like Danaher Corporation and has learned from the best Senseis, like Shingijutsu. Also, look for someone with hands-on implementation experience with numerous companies in different industries.

Results
A consulting company should be able to give you a substantial list of references, not just examples on a web site, that identifies loyal clients that have experienced breakthrough results.

Credibility
Unfortunately, many consultants in the industry have learned mostly from reading books and going to seminars. A strong Sensei will have credibility at all levels of the organization, from the Operators and Engineers to Senior Management. Credibility only comes from hard-won experience through multiple transformations, in different companies and industries.

Leadership Experience
The Senseis that you hire should have experience in leadership roles. At a minimum, they should have Director-level experience in transforming a significant manufacturing or service operation.

Teaching Philosophy
The Lean Enterprise consulting company that is best for you should have a mission of making you self-sufficient. Most consulting companies want to make themselves indispensable so they can milk you for lots of money. You want to select a company that wants to teach you everything they know, so that you will be less dependant on outside help. Look for the true Senseis.