Since its inception in 1988, the Shingo Institute has been dedicated to advancing the process of improvement by conducting cutting-edge research, offering relevant education, performing insightful organizational assessments, and recognizing organizations committed to achieving sustainable, world-class results. At the heart of this mission lies the Shingo Challenge—a rigorous, comprehensive evaluation process that helps organizations validate their operational and cultural maturity while identifying new opportunities for improvement.
More than 375 organizations worldwide have earned the distinction of being Shingo recipients, each demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence. The path to this recognition is not easy, nor is it meant to be. It is a journey designed for organizations seeking more than a trophy, yet it is for those truly invested in the pursuit of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
In this article, we explore the Shingo Challenge process, eligibility requirements, and results expectations, providing prospective applicants with essential information as they consider taking on this prestigious challenge.
The Shingo Challenge is unique in that it does not focus solely on outcomes but on the systems and behaviors that produce sustainable results. It recognizes organizations that create lasting cultural change by embedding the Shingo Guiding Principles into every layer of their business. As Shaun Barker, Director of Operations and Assessment at the Shingo Institute, puts it: "An organization moves closer to excellence as it achieves its desired results as an outcome of behaviors, driven by systems that can sustain not only the results but also the culture that created them.” This philosophy underpins every element of the Shingo Challenge process. Applicants can expect a comprehensive evaluation that validates their strengths while exposing opportunities for improvement they may not have seen on their own.
To preserve the integrity and credibility of the Shingo recognition, the Institute has established a set of minimum eligibility requirements, detailed in the Shingo Challenge Guidelines available on the Shingo Institute’s website. Meeting these requirements ensures that each organization entering a Challenge is prepared for a fair and meaningful assessment.
Conflict of Interest Review:
The first consideration is whether the applying entity might present a potential conflict of interest. To address this, applicants are encouraged to schedule a brief meeting with the Institute’s assessment staff to determine if any conflicts exist and how they might impact eligibility.
Ownership Structure:
Applicants must operate under common ownership throughout the applying entity. This requirement ensures operational consistency and alignment in leadership, which are critical for sustaining a culture of continuous improvement.
Disclosure of Significant Distractions:
Organizations must disclose any known significant issues that could affect operations or public reputation. Examples include criminal investigations, bankruptcy proceedings, organizational restructurings, labor disputes, or public accusations. Transparency in these matters allows the Shingo Institute to fairly assess readiness and maintain the integrity of the Challenge process.
Assessment Feasibility:
The applying entity must be assessable under the current Shingo assessment methodology. For organizations with highly complex or large-scale operations, it may be necessary to split into smaller, more manageable entities and submit multiple applications to ensure a thorough and effective evaluation.
Open Access for Examiners:
A critical element of the assessment is the ability of examiners to engage directly with employees at all levels of the organization. This level of access ensures that the organization’s culture, systems, and operational maturity are accurately and comprehensively evaluated.
Results Expectations:
A fundamental requirement for Challenge applicants is the submission of a minimum of three years of performance results across key operational categories. These results must be specific to the applying entity. Corporate, divisional, or regional aggregate data will not be accepted.
This ensures that the performance and culture being assessed truly reflect the entity seeking Shingo recognition—not a larger corporate umbrella or separate division. The categories, as detailed in the Shingo Challenge Guidelines (pages 41–42), are as follows:
For organizations new to the process, the example format provided in the Shingo Challenge Guidelines on page 27 offers valuable clarity on how to present these results effectively.
Many organizations that successfully complete a Challenge begin working with the Shingo Institute months and even years before submitting a formal application. These early conversations serve several important purposes:
This early engagement allows organizations to strategically plan their Challenge journey, ensuring they are fully informed about expectations and well-prepared to meet them. It also establishes a lasting connection with the Shingo Institute, granting access to resources, education, and guidance throughout the preparation process.
For organizations serious about sustainable operational and cultural excellence, the Shingo Challenge offers an unparalleled opportunity for validation, growth, and recognition. It is not a simple certification process, it is a transformative experience designed for those who are ready to embrace in-depth, honest assessment.
If you would like to learn more about the Shingo Challenge process, eligibility requirements, or results expectations, please contact the Shingo Institute for more information or to schedule a preliminary meeting.
Brittney Ogden
brittney.ogden@usu.edu
or
Shaun Barker
shaun.barker@usu.edu
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