Transformation
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When we understand what drives bad behavior, we can get in front of it
Have you ever wondered why we behave the way that we do? Is behavior of the individual or the organization a fixed matter, something possibly predetermined by nature and therefore futile to control or influence? Or is behavior, perhaps, just a reaction to aggregate stimuli? Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between. When we attempt to make productive changes…
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Sometimes, starting over is the right solution
Not every problem can be solved incrementally. The uncomfortable reality associated with many leaps of progress is that revolution, not improvement is the key ingredient. If you haven’t been confronted with this truism yet, you likely will eventually. Tried and true only gets us so far in many instances. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a diehard fan of…
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Purpose is Powerful.
Attracting and retaining the right talent these days is a challenging business. People are inherently complex, and it should come as no surprise that money alone is not the secret to long-term employee satisfaction. There are other, less concrete factors that influence our professional affiliations to be considered. One such factor that is increasingly important to people…
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It all revolves around Trust
Many books and articles address the need to nurture a culture of trust in an organization if improved performance is the aim, but that trust is often only oriented vertically. True, this is the best place to start. Management must demonstrate trust in their workforce that they will do the right thing before the organization reciprocates with…
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The Right Kind of Advice can make all the Difference
When we set our minds upon the notion of process improvement, we often recognize the need for a fresh and skilled outside perspective. Many people use the terms sensei and consultant interchangeably in this context, but this far from accurate. What are you looking for in your improvement journey? Which kind of assistance best suits your particular needs?…
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ROCE can provide a revealing peek behind the curtain of your organization
My advice is that you should temper your expectations when it comes to adopting a continuous improvement philosophy. Continuous improvement is inherently gradual and incremental without the dramatic, spectacular, or singular event we often hope for. Silver bullets are rare in life. The notion of Lean and other like approaches is one of small wins that build…
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Overcoming Breakdowns is Valuable Experience to any Organization
To many of us, there is no greater paralyzing fear than the nightmare associated with a system breaking down. We strive to keep the plates spinning, and whether through neglect, overloading, or just rotten luck, things can come crashing to a halt in an instant. While the system implodes and the fires rage, take solace in the…
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Is there Virtue in Competition?
Society rightly endorses desirable behaviors and qualities in its members. Some norms are promoted while others are discouraged through shaming, ridicule, or outright discipline. Perceived virtue is ever-changing with time, and no one individual determines the course of these societal norms. Rather, it tends to be influenced over time by the events, circumstances and the collective experiences…
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Protecting IP is a high priority. Are you capturing it all?
Intellectual assets come in all shapes and sizes. Traditionally and almost instinctively, we limit the notion of intellectual property (IP) to patents and possibly throw in trademarks, copyrights, or other valuable assets readily afforded governmental protection. However, the truth is that the most prominent, critical, and vulnerable forms of intellectual property are the processes used by your organization every…
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How ABC Principles Can Ease Your Inventory Burden
I get asked quite a bit about Lean inventory management. The notion is sublimely simple, however the application may often be a bit more involved. Lean principles tell us that all forms of inventory should be minimized (raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods) in order to shorten our lead times and to diminish our capital risk. Some people…