Well, I’m not the expert on the subject because I didn’t invent the concept, but I’d like to share a few observations of mine…

I believe in a global culture that is in a state of massive content influx, minimization of that content is inevitable if the information is to be successfully consumed by a globally networked culture. Lean content and processes help this because the same work can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time using lean methodologies in our communications and processes.

This emphasis on lean implies that only that which is necessarily belongs. If it doesn’t contribute to core goals, or uphold core values, it should be trimmed off. It is sort of what we wanted in the industrial age, but we ended up with a race to the bottom instead of a race to raise value. The race to the bottom was (and is) fueled by a desire to gain every last ounce of short term profit from an endeavor versus a desire to add value at the cost of whatever doesn’t add value to the customer, industry, etc.

The thing is, adding value is what people pay for. It is an investment customers are willing to make  if they perceive your product or service to be valuable. Value doesn’t have a dollar amount and isn’t always related to money, value is perceived and largely intangible today. I think that is why it is so valuable.