Podcasts about Lean thinking

What does soccer, soda, and software have in common? According to Jim York—everything. In this episode, he and Brian Milner break down what great teamwork really means, why shared goals matter more than job titles, and how understanding your team’s unique contribution can unlock better flow and results. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with veteran Agile coach and trainer Jim York for a deep dive into what makes real teamwork tick. They unpack what separates a group of coworkers from a high-functioning team, explore the role of shared goals in driving motivation, and walk through value stream thinking using vivid analogies from sports and soda cans alike. Whether you're part of a Scrum team or leading cross-functional initiatives, this episode will help you think differently about collaboration, flow, and how teams can work better together. References and resources mentioned in the show: Jim York Jim's Blog Jim's Video Library Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation by James Womack & Daniel Jones Liftoff Vision: Launching Agile Teams and Projects by Diana Larsen & Ainsley Nies GoatBot Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Jim York is a business owner helping teams discover how to delight their customers. He uses systems thinking, agile and lean to co-create resilient, learning teams. As a coach, he works with his clients to help them grow in directions that matter to them to achieve their goals. Jim is a Certified Agile Coach®️, holding both the Certified Enterprise Coach and Certified Team Coach credentials; Certified Scrum Trainer®️; Agile Fluency®️ facilitator; LeSS Practitioner. In 2007, Jim co-foundered FoxHedge Ltd with his wife, Melissa York. Auto-generated Transcript: Brian Milner (00:00) Welcome in Agile Mentors. We're back here for another episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast. I'm with you as always, Brian Milner. And today I have the very distinguished gentleman, Mr. Jim York with us. Welcome in, Jim. Jim York (00:12) Well, thank you, Brian. Glad to be here. Brian Milner (00:15) Very excited to have Jim with us. We were just chatting before and Jim and I met years ago at a conference. We got introduced by a mutual friend, Mr. Kurt Peterson, who has been on the show. He came on a little bit earlier to talk about Kanban. And just for those people who aren't familiar with Jim, Jim is a co-founder of a company called Fox Hedge. And he has been an Agile coach, a Scrum trainer for quite a while now and I give him the title Luminary, kind of scrum luminary, thought leader, been around doing this for a while. I hope that doesn't sound insulting in any way, Jim, to call you that. Jim York (00:55) Nope, nope, just trying to shine my light and help others shine theirs. So that's what a coach does. So. Brian Milner (01:00) Awesome, Cool, well, we wanted to have Jim on because we had this topic that it's kind of a broad topic, but it's, I think, actually crucial to today's world. And that's just the broad topic of teamwork itself. So I'll start this way, Jim. I want to get your opinion. In today's world, with the changing kind of landscape with AI and everything else that we see that's kind of influencing how we work, has teamwork had its day? Is it time now for something new or is teamwork still the best way to build things? Jim York (01:34) Yeah, well, teams are universal. I think once you get more than one single individual and you get some task that requires more than what one person can do, it's inevitable. We've to work together. And so I don't see that going away. It might change a bit. But in many ways, think the things that we face today are, in many ways, things that we faced before. They might be showing up in a different way, but I think there's some universality. universality to teamwork. Brian Milner (02:03) Yeah, I agree. And so what do we mean by teamwork? Why don't we define that a little bit for everyone? Jim York (02:09) Yeah, I guess we have to step back and start looking at what's a team. If we talk about teamwork, there's this whole expression, teamwork makes the teamwork. So what's a team? And the classic definition of a team is it's a group of individuals working on a shared goal. And so it's kind of like built into the definition, we're working on a shared goal. So teamwork is that combined action. Brian Milner (02:13) Yeah. Yeah. Jim York (02:32) And so that's kind of the general concept. It's, you know, some of the parts, you know, is greater than the whole. And so it's taking that mix of experiences, knowledge, skills, and bringing them together and having that dynamic, that energy, and kind of focusing it in the same direction. You know, that's really what teamwork is about. Brian Milner (02:55) Yeah, it's good to clarify it, because I think the word team gets quite widely used in today's world. you'll hear people describe that, hey, that's my sales team. When you look at it and how they actually work together, there's not really a lot of teaming actually happening. It's just a group of individuals who have the same job and that. that format. I do think you're right. It's important to understand the difference between that kind of a team and what we're talking about here as a team. Jim York (03:25) Yeah, there are different kinds of teams and people in a sales team, even if they're not working with each other, the fact that they have a shared goal does create some sense of team. And there's different teamwork where everybody's providing kind of their unique thing. And then you have, I think like a team in a rowing, when you have like four people in a rowboat. they might have somebody who's steering the boat, you know, but they have the four people holding onto the oars and, you know, they're working at a similar cadence. You can say to a certain degree they're individuals. I don't know if they're fungible. I don't think they're necessarily fungible, but they're working together to accomplish that shared goal. know, the people in rowing, that's different from people on like a soccer team. You know, on a soccer team, you're... You got the whole pitch, you know, you're all over the place and the ball's moving around and there's this kind of coming together and going apart of various team members interacting at different places and at different times throughout the game. You're kind of acting dynamically to where the ball is and where the opponents are and where they are on the field. And so there's this creativity that occurs there that's kind of a different kind of creativity than you might see in a rowing type of competition. Brian Milner (04:18) Yeah. Jim York (04:42) But yeah, I think there are different kinds of teams, but I think that universal theme of being a group of individuals that are having that shared goal, I think that's the thing that's in common. It's not the nature of the work that some people might call agile versus predictive or planned work. mean, the concept of a team is more universal thing. Brian Milner (04:43) Yeah. Yeah. I like the example of kind of the crew, right? Of rowing and stuff. I think that's a good picture because you're right. I mean, it's very subtle, but there's a lot of combined movement. And if one person is off a little bit, it really affects how others are working. I've used the example sometimes in my classes as a contrast to think about like a golf team. You know, like the idea that you have the group of people who, again, I say this in classes. So anyone listening to this who's a golf expert, it really loves golf. Please, email in and tell me if I'm wrong about this. But this is what I say in my classes. You know, if you're on a golf team, it's a group of individuals who are each shooting their own 18 holes. But then at the end of the round, you just total up the score. And if you have the lowest lower score than another team, then you win, right? But it's, When I'm shooting my 18 holes, I'm not necessarily aware of what everyone else on my team has done or what they're doing at the same time. We don't play off each other, right? I don't take the first shot and then they take the second shot. It's all on me to do my best. And then hopefully everyone else has done their best and we just kind of see how it works out at the very last second. Yeah. Jim York (06:17) Yeah, so teams are different. know, teams are definitely different. And I think it's that idea of the shared goal that is the thing that kind of the glue that holds the team together and that shared goal that can be at various levels. I mean, it can be at this grand big picture level. You know, sometimes what's referred to as a product vision, it can be at a more discrete team level. Sometimes that's referred to as, you know, our our unique contribution to the product division. So that would be like our team mission. And then there's maybe, you know, a specific task. And so, you know, we might be working on a specific, very small, discrete task. And, you know, there's a potentially a group of people working on that thing. And, and, and those people have that shared goal of moving that task, you know, through a process to a completion state. And so there's, there's some variability here in the different kind of levels and Hopefully, there's some alignment between those different levels when you're talking about a team. Brian Milner (07:14) All right, so there's some different kinds of teams and it kind of is wide ranging in how we would describe it. There's different configurations, but we have a single purpose. We're working together towards a single purpose. That's kind of our unifying factor there. So then what makes teams work? What's the glue other than our purpose? How do we actually... Combine efforts, how do we play off each other's strengths? How does that happen? Jim York (07:47) Yeah, well, it depends, right? I mean, that's the classic consultant's answer. It depends. How do we play off of each other? If you're in an environment where you've got a known solution to a known problem and you're just executing steps in a plan, those dynamics are pretty well understood. People in that process can be trained to do different types of activities. They can gain experience in that. Brian Milner (07:50) Yeah. Jim York (08:08) That's a fairly predictable kind of process, but then there are others where it's emergent. And so we have to kind of figure it out on the fly as we go. And even those environments where it seems that we've got a pre-existing solution, there is a very clear variable there, and that's people. People show up different every day. I might have had a poor night's sleep, and people might think, well, Jim's normally fairly easy to work with, but wow, today he's... got a short temper or whatever it might be. And so we have to of figure out on the fly how we adapt to those variables. anything that has to do with people, you're going to have some variability. think stepping back, Brian, I think one of the things that is important to kind of understand or get a sense of what part of the system that we want to understand when we're talking about a team and they are dynamics, they actually are fitting within some sort of product ecosystem. And so where are the boundaries of what we mean by our shared purpose, our shared vision within that ecosystem? There's a classic book called Lean Thinking by James and Womack. And there's a really interesting example, simple diagram in the book of a value stream. And it's a value stream of a cola can. And it's kind of fascinating. You kind of see this very simple value stream in there and it starts with aluminum being, well, not the aluminum, but the bauxite actually being mined. And it goes through a reduction mill and then to a smelter. And then it goes through some hot rolling and cold rolling process. And so finally you get basically rolls of sheet aluminum that go to a can maker and the can maker is cutting the cans that are then formed into the cola can. You know, and that can maker is actually the middle of the value stream because all the things I've described so far are upstream. Downstream of the can maker, once they've made the cans, the cans go to a can warehouse somewhere and they sit there until a bottler says, hey, we need some cans because somebody's ordered some cola. And so, you know, the cans make their journey to the bottler and they get filled and then they get... Brian Milner (10:01) Hmm. Jim York (10:17) go to a bottling warehouse and of course there's transportation, there's trucks carrying these empty cans from the can maker to the bottler and then the filled cans from the bottler to the bottler warehouse and then ultimately they go to some wholesale operation and then to a retail store and then you and I perhaps will go into the store and buy a six pack of cola and we go home and we drink the cola. And so you see this very simple kind of journey, this little value stream. from the perspective of the can maker. And so, first time I encountered that value stream, I'm sitting there looking at the can maker and I'm asking myself the classic question that I ask my clients. One of the first questions I ask is, who's your customer? And so for the can maker, it can be very easy to look at that and go, well, it's the bottler because the bottler is the one who places the orders for the cans. So clearly the customer for the can maker is the bottler. Of course from a lean perspective we look further down the stream We were looking at the end of the stream to see you know, what's what's it all for? What's it all for? And if you look at the diagram you get to you know finally to the end of the stream and there's the home where the person's potentially sitting on their couch and enjoying you know that that cola and so you know if you think about all the different steps along the value stream from the mining to the to the smelting to the bottler and Brian Milner (11:17) Ha Yeah. Jim York (11:38) the can maker themselves, the retail store that's selling the cola. The thing that you would ask them that would be the glue that would hold them together for this would be what Diana Larsson and Ainsley Nees call in their lift off book, the product vision. And so the product vision is really kind of what's it all for? And the cool thing about a product vision is it's very concise, it's very succinct and everybody can hold it in their heads very easily because of that. It's typically one sentence. And so I'm going to speculate this because I'm not a, I'm not part of this value stream where Cola makes its journey to people in their homes. But I'm guessing the product vision for all of these various people along the value stream boils down to something along the lines of our customers enjoy a convenient, refreshing beverage. And so the cool thing about that simple statement is that Brian Milner (12:23) Mm-hmm. Jim York (12:28) If you were to go to the mine and ask a miner and say, some of this bauxite that you're mining, in the context of this soda, what's it all for? Now, they're probably mining bauxite for a variety of different customers and a variety of different products. But in the context of this particular value stream, they could look down to the end of the stream and say, it's all about that person sitting on their couch at the end of a long day who simply wants to have a convenient, refreshing beverage. And so that's what you know, this particular product vision is. And so that kind of calls into view a couple of things. One is context is important. So when we're talking about the product, we have to be very specific about what it is that we mean, who is that customer at the end of the stream, and what is the experience that we want them to have. And so this product vision is, as I said, very simple. our customers experience a convenient, refreshing beverage. Now, that makes it simple in terms of this particular value stream, but it also makes us aware that it's very complex for the miners because they've got to deal with competing interests from a whole lot of different customers. And so if they've got limited capacity, they may be trying to figure out, which customer do we satisfy? And so the usefulness of the product vision is being able to go to that mining company and say, do you find value in, do you want to support this activity of creating this experience for this customer with convenient refreshing beverage? And if they buy into that, if they agree with that, that's your leverage, that's your argument. why you should deliver against this value stream versus some other value stream. Now, you don't always win that argument, which is really what life is about, is we're always dealing with trade-offs and we're dealing with different options or opportunities. And so I think that's one aspect of this. But when we talk about the team in the context of a product vision, The team is huge. The team is absolutely huge because it's not just a can maker and the can maker team. It's also the bottler and the bottler team. It's maybe the truckers union that's providing transportation between these different things. the retail store. It's the retail warehouse. All of them potentially have their own concept of team. And in order to create value, it's not just what you do and provide to your next partner on the value stream. You have to really pay attention to the entire value stream because ultimately anything that doesn't come together in the right way at the right in the right place right time It puts it all at risk It puts it all at risk. So I think it's important that we kind of understand the product vision this highest level glue that holds us together and then at a more discrete level look at your team, for example the can maker and What is their unique contribution? In Liftoff, Diana Larsson and Ainsley Niece call this the team mission. And so what is the team's unique contribution to the product vision? And so for the can maker, it's also fairly simple. It's like, we make the cans. And they could flavor that a bit with, they use the latest technology and they use environment. sensitive manufacturing processes, know, they source things using sustainable, you know, approaches and the like. at the team mission level, we're getting a little bit more discreet in terms of what it is that that team is contributing to the greater whole. So think part of this is just kind of stepping back and thinking about what it means to be a team. Brian Milner (16:12) Hmm. Jim York (16:24) You know, are we talking about we're a team that's the collection of all of these things? At times that might be a useful way of thinking about it. At other times we need to kind put our heads down and focus on what our unique contribution is and make sure that we're doing the appropriate job there. Brian Milner (16:24) Hmm. Yeah, this is fascinating because so what I'm hearing is that really we have to expand our thinking a little bit about teams because teaming teams are, know, in one sense, the small group that you're working with on a on a regular basis, but it's there's a larger team concept as well of the entire value stream from end to end. All the people who are contributing, they all are are working towards that ultimate goal of, in your example, someone having a refreshing beverage at the end of their long, day at work? And how often do we actually realize that or look at that? Are the miners really even aware of the fact that they're contributing to that sort of a larger team goal? I think that's a great question. Jim York (17:21) Yeah, that's an excellent point. And what are the implications of either that awareness or lack of awareness? And I think this kind of comes to play when we think about what motivates teams. If all I know is that I'm mining bauxite, that might work for some folks. That's enough motivation. Sometimes people say my paycheck is enough motivation. Brian Milner (17:44) Ha ha. Jim York (17:45) But if you really understand what it's all about, that maybe ties into a bit of self-worth, that I'm a contributing member of society. It could also help you make the right decisions and perform the right actions if you know ultimately what this is gonna lead to. And sometimes that's a calculation that's done in terms of the quality. of the work that you're doing or the output that you're creating. For certain applications, the quality might have certain characteristics where the quality has turned up very, very high in some areas or maybe it's lower in other areas because it's good enough. And if you overbuild quality, you might be introducing some waste because it's not. It's not necessary for the job at hand. In other places, if you deliver below quality, you introduce some risk that the product is not going to be, or the ultimate customer experience is not going to be what it is. I don't know about you, but I've occasionally gotten one of these plastic soda bottles where they've made the plastic so thin for the soda bottle that the liquid is actually needed inside the bottle to maintain the structural integrity of the bottle. Brian Milner (18:54) Yeah. Jim York (18:54) And if I were that customer sitting on the couch at the end of a long hot day, let's imagine it's a white cloth couch and I'm drinking orange soda and I reach over to pick up the soda and my hand, you know, grasping around the soda bottle, all of sudden the soda bottle just collapses in my hand and orange soda goes all over me and the couch and everything else. mean, that's, you know, there's some quality characteristics, some specifications around that. Brian Milner (19:02) Ha ha ha. Jim York (19:18) container that that plastic container that has to integrate well into the rest of the process. It has to work with the bottler and it has to work with the consumer when they're actually using it. So it's understanding the whole can certainly help teams feel a sense of purpose and also can guide that decision making in those actions around it. Brian Milner (19:30) Yeah. Yeah, I think that's an important thing to keep in mind and remember because, you you mentioned, you know, some people would say paycheck is a motivator. And I, you know, I, I kind of subscribe to the Dan Pink kind of motivation philosophy that, know, that, can only do it so far that it is a motivator, but it is a motivator only to a certain point. Beyond that point, we need more. We need more to motivate what we're going to do. Cause you know, there's a million things out there that can give me a paycheck. I could work in a lot of different places, but I've chosen to do what I do for a reason. There's something that fulfills me from doing that, or I prefer it in some way to what my other options might be. I know I've heard people say this in classes before, the idea of how do you have a vision for somebody who builds clothes hangers? We have this talk about vision, this grand design. Big purpose. Well, how do you do that for someone who has clothes hangers? You know, like I get that, you know, there's not everything, every product in the world has, you know, a save the world kind of vision, right? But I think you can, in your example of kind of the mining thing, I think is a good example of this because you can connect it to that ultimate value. And when you connect to that ultimate value, it doesn't that motivate people more to think, hey, I'm helping someone who's had a hard day. I know what that's like. Have a hard day, sit down on your couch and you just want to relax a little bit. Yeah, I want to help that person. Like that, is something that that'll gets me out of bed, you know? Jim York (21:06) Mm-hmm. Yeah, and I think that does require you to think beyond what we often think of as being the team. Because to make it all come together and result in that ultimate product vision, that, you know, the person having the convenient refreshing beverage, in my example, you know, all of those different parts have to come together. And any one of them, if it doesn't happen, you know, that we don't have that value that's realized at the end of the value stream. And so having that connection to what it's really ultimately about is critically important. And understanding where you fit into that and what your value add work is, I think is critically important. And so we talked about like at high level product vision, we talked about this unique contribution of your team like the can maker, and so our team mission, we make the cans. And then we get to the practicalities of the task that's in flight, the work that we're doing right now. And I think that's a critical piece of this puzzle. What is it that's the thing that's being acted upon right now? The work in process or the work in flight. And depending on what the nature of that is, I think that drives a lot of... decisions and one of them is around, you know, who do we need? So who are the actual people, you know, that have the right skills, knowledge, experience in order to do that work? And also it informs our process and so, know, again, that process could be something where it's a known process and we're just, you know, turning the crank or it might be something where we're having to figure it out on the fly. Regardless of the nature of the work, there's going to be a workflow. When we're trying to get something done, the work is going to be flowing through some sort of process. And it's that flow that really intrigues me. we want to look at the flow, especially if speed matters. And why would speed matter? Sometimes speed matters because customers want what we are building yesterday. So they want it as soon as possible. So time to value is often what's considered there. If we're something new that hasn't existed before, sometimes we're also building quickly so we can get it in front of someone to get their reaction to see whether it's fit for purpose. So we might think of that as being time to feedback. But the flow itself is there's the workflow. And so work, the nature of it is a piece of work is something that maybe an individual can go work on. Other times there's a piece of work that requires more than one person to work on. So there's an element of collaboration with that. Even when it's an individual that can work on a piece of work, usually they've received something from somebody that allows them to start that piece of work. And when they're done with that piece of work, they're passing what they've done along to somebody else and that other person is picking up. So even if... there's an ability to work on a discrete task by yourself, there's still an interaction often on the front end of that and the back end of that. So work is still flowing and we have to figure out how to collaborate in such a way that the work that is not being held up in some queue somewhere where we're getting some bottlenecks and that they're constraints. so figuring out how do you enable the work to flow and how do you enable the people to flow? Years ago, I had an opportunity to coach soccer and on my team, I taught them, in addition to like skills, I taught them three concepts. And so the first one was, everybody on the team should know where the ball is. And so it seems pretty obvious, you should know where the ball is. But if you look at this from a team building software perspective, does everybody know where the ball is? You know, what is the work that's in flight and what's the current state of that? I mean, we use information radiators to try to help people understand where the ball is, but often I don't think we use them as effectively as we might. So I'm always challenging teams to figure out, you know, how do you use your communication systems, your information radiators to enable everyone in your ecosystem to understand, you know, what's the work in flight and what is its current state? And why do you need to know that? Brian Milner (24:55) Hmm. Yeah. Jim York (25:24) Well, if you know where the ball is, you can get a sense of what are the things that are in the way of that ball moving forward. So my second rule for the team was know where your obstacles are. And so in a soccer game, you're seeing your opponents. And so you might have a great plan on how you're going to advance the ball from where it is currently down the field towards the goal. But little problem with that. You've got people on the other team trying to keep you from getting there. So you're having to react real time in the moment to those obstacles. And so in addition to everybody on the team knowing where the ball is, everyone on the team needs to know where the obstacles are. And so when you have that information, and again, for a team building software, this is the kind of thing that should be readily available in some sort of information radiator, real time ability to see where the ball is and to see what's in the way. Why is that important? Well, if you know where the ball is and you know where the obstacles are, you can position yourself as a team member to be what I called the help. And so by the help, that's the one or two people on your soccer team that if you're the one with the ball, you know you can pass to them easily. You know, that they are constantly moving around and positioning themselves to be in the place where it's possible for you to get the ball to them. So who are those two people? Well, it changes depending on where the ball is. And so what the team has to do is kind of get a mental mob. Brian Milner (26:41) Ha ha. Jim York (26:47) in their heads of the actual position of people on the field and get a sense of if the ball's here and the obstacles are here, then I should put myself here. Now, it isn't for all the team members to position themselves to be the help because that would be crazy. Just as we see on Agile teams, when somebody picks up a task, the whole team typically doesn't swarm on that task. It would be too many people on the task. Brian Milner (27:06) haha Jim York (27:16) So who shows up to work the task? The right number of people with the right skills and knowledge. So how do they know to come? It's because the work is made visible. And so they come because they see that they're needed. How fast do they come? Ideally, they're there instantly. Now, why might they not be there instantly? Because they might be working on some other tasks. And so if this were to happen in soccer game, you would see the other opponent, you know, they would be... basically scoring goals against you right and left because when you try to pass the ball, you wouldn't have somebody there to receive the ball. So knowing where your help is, if you've got the ball and passing it to that person helps you continue the flow down towards the goal. So if you're not the person who has the ball and you're not one of those two people that are the help currently, What you're doing as another team member is you are. orienting yourself on the field so that you will be the help when it's needed. And so there's this constant movement of people down the field. And where this really brings it home, I'll use this example, and I'm coaching agile teams, is they'll talk about how all their work and stuff, and I'll use the example of the soccer game and the one ball, and they say, now let's imagine you put two balls in flight. Brian Milner (28:16) Hmm, that makes sense, yeah. Jim York (28:36) Can you optimally move those balls down the field towards your opponent's goal? And typically, there is a limit, right? How many balls can you put on the field? Two, three, 15? It's like, yeah, it really drives home the point of limiting the work in process. the teamwork is made more effective and efficient if we have some sense of where the work is, what is the nature of it so that people can come and go, I call this people flow. so we're looking at things like the, well, out of... Brian Milner (29:05) Yeah. Jim York (29:09) out of the concept of open space, the law of mobility. It's like within our organizations, within our teams, can we have people flow to where the work is needed and also have people flow away from the work when they're not needed? And so enabling that autonomy of the individual to be able to go where they need to go in order to optimize the flow is a... Brian Milner (29:13) Yeah, yeah. Jim York (29:34) is a key organizational design problem. Brian Milner (29:37) Yeah, yeah, this is fascinating stuff. mean, I love the analogy with the soccer teams and that I mean, I, that makes sense to me. I love kind of where you're going with this. If people are hearing this and thinking, well, I like to hear more about this stuff. We're going to put links in our show notes back to Jim's site on this because he's got a lot of blog posts. They're kind of around the same theme on this. And we'll link to those specific blog posts for you so that you can find them. But Jim, I want to be respectful of your time and our listeners' time. So thank you so much for taking your time out to share this with us. Jim York (30:08) Well, I've been very pleased to join you, Brian. Thank you for the opportunity. Brian Milner (30:13) Absolutely.

Everything runs in trends, supply chains included. What was once considered a critical strategy can be cancelled in a heartbeat if conditions change - only to be rediscovered and reapplied to great advantage a couple of years later. In this week's Art of Supply interview, Kelly Barner welcomes back Professor Thomas Goldsby. Tom is the Dee and Jimmy Haslam Chair of Logistics at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He is also the Co-Executive Director of their Global Supply Chain Institute.  Tom rejoins the show to make a case in support of lean thinking and just-in-time inventory management.  With reshoring becoming an increasing part of the supply chain conversation, the timing may just be right for lean thinking to rebound and once again occupy its rightful place in the supply chain strategy toolkit. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly and Tom discuss: How we need to understand lean thinking before we can apply it successfully Whether companies are starting to apply lean thinking again, or just discussing it How our supply chains would change if we optimized them to create customer value Links: Thomas Goldsby on LinkedIn Supply Chains as Business in Action Tennessee on Supply Chain Management Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement

By founding Lean Institute Brasil in 1999 to disseminate the principles and practices of lean thinking to Brazilian companies, Ferro helped catalyze a global movement to establish lean institutes in other countries, which ultimately grew into the Lean Global Network, chartered in 2007.In the late eighties, he was a visiting scholar in MIT's International Motor Vehicle Research Program (IMVP), which introduced the term “lean” to describe Toyota's revolutionary management system. In the nineties, Ferro authored chapters for the Brazilian edition of several books, all published by Editora Campus, Rio de Janeiro: The Machine That Changed the World, A máquina que mudou o mundo, by James Womack, Dan Jones and Daniel Roos, 1992; Collision, Colisão – GM, VW e Toyota, by Maryann Keller, 1994; and Lean Thinking, Mentalidade Enxuta nas empresas, by James Womack and Dan Jones, 1998. Also, he is coauthor of “Brazil: A New Pattern of Industrial Relations” in After Lean Production, coordinated by MacDuffie, Kochan and Lansbury (Cornell University Press, 1998).Ferro has worked with Autosector, an association of labor, industry, and government that aided the auto industry in Brazil. He has also worked with the National Association of Automotive Manufacturers, the Brazilian Association of Vehicle Importers, the Union of Metallurgy Companies, and the State of Bahia government. Ferro received PhD and master's degrees in business administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, and production engineering from the University of São Paulo in São Carlos. Since 1992, he has been a professor in the economics department at the School of Business Administration at São Paulo, Getulio Vargas Foundation. Ferro has also been a professor at the University of Campinas, Statistics and Computer Science Institute.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Study Trip - super early registration rate now through March 31st! https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ What have we really learned after four decades of lean? Is lean thinking still relevant today?And importantly — what needs to change to ensure its future success?In the previous episode, I sat down with James Womack, founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute, to look back on 40 years of lean thinking and management since the publication of The Machine That Changed the World. In this episode, we look ahead to the future of lean and dig into big questions, including those submitted by listeners:Is there a better term than “lean”? What would Jim do differently if he could reintroduce lean to the world?How do AI and new technologies fit with the application of lean principles?What's Jim's greatest surprise over the past 45 years?Jim doesn't hold back in this discussion  — and provides his advice as he passes the baton to the next generation of lean leaders. YOU'LL LEARN:Why lean principles still apply even as technology evolves and takes over tasks once done by peopleWhat's stopping organizations from fully embracing lean principles and practicesWhy lean must be leader-led—not outsourced to consultants or internal operational excellence teams How developing people's capabilities for problem-solving at all levels is critical to successThe true role and purpose of managementIf you are passionate about the potential of lean's impact now and in the future, this is an episode you won't want to miss. ABOUT MY GUEST:James P. Womack, PhD, is the former research director of MIT's International Motor Vehicle Program who led the team that coined the term “lean production” to describe the Toyota Production System. Along with Daniel Jones, he co-authored “The Machine That Changed the World”, “Lean Thinking”, and “Lean Solutions”. Jim is the founder of Lean Enterprise Institute where he continues to serve as a senior advisor. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/38Listen to Part 1 where lean has failed and succeeded: ChainOfLearning.com/37Connect with James Womack: linkedin.com/in/womack-james-52763b212Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Learn about my Japan Study Trip program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:48 Two things Jim would do differently in introducing lean 03:92 Why consultant-driven Kaizen falls short05:29 The origin of the word “lean”08:29 The alternative label instead of the term "lean"10:26 How lean intersects with emerging and established technologies14:43 Analyzing AI's effectiveness through the value stream16:02 Jim's greatest surprise of the 40 + years of lean19:10 Changes at Toyota's Operations Management Development Division22:27 Why problem-solving skills matter at every level23:34 Jim's parting advice for the next generation of lean leaders Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Study Trip - super early registration rate now through March 31st! https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Study Trip - super early registration rate now through March 31st! “Lean has failed.”That's the bold statement James Womack—founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute and MIT researcher whose team introduced the term “lean” to the world—made at a conference where we both recently spoke.That really stuck with me.Has lean really failed? If so, what can we do to course correct?To explore this, I invited him to share his reflections and experiences over the past 40 years—where his vision for lean management has fallen short, where it's succeeded, and what we can learn for the future.In this episode, we take a hard look at lean's evolution, from James' original vision following the publication of “The Machine that Changed the World” nearly 4 decades ago to its real-world impact today.Tune in for powerful stories and insights from one of the founders of the lean movement, a chance to rethink what's next for lean leadership, and how you can adjust your approach towards organizational transformation.YOU'LL LEARN:The 5 critical interlocking elements of successful lean enterprise transformations — and what's missingHow to build systems and practices to sustain a lean culture that truly supports frontline teamsWhy most companies get their approach to operational excellence backwards and the challenge of getting leaders to see lean principles as the key to getting resultsWhy off-shoring and out-sourcing aren't long-term solutionsThe biggest challenges leaders face with lean transformationDon't miss Part 2 of this conversation where we explore lean's future, its relevance for today's global lean community, and James' advice for the next generation of leaders.ABOUT MY GUEST:James P. Womack, PhD, is the former research director of MIT's International Motor Vehicle Program who led the team that coined the term “lean production” to describe the Toyota Production System. Along with Daniel Jones, he co-authored “The Machine That Changed the World”, “Lean Thinking”, and “Lean Solutions”. James is the founder of Lean Enterprise Institute where he continues to serve as a senior advisor.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/37Connect with James Womack: linkedin.com/in/womack-james-52763b212Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 02:41 James' vision of what lean's impact would be today07:25 Five interlocking pieces of lean transformation and what's been missed07:49 Misconception of Kaizen14:27 Challenges in sustaining lean practices19:00 Lean leadership if implemented the right way21:58 Impact of offshoring and outsourcing24:29 Barriers to senior management buy-in26:42 Challenges in the frontline healthcare system30:27 The importance of daily management and Kaizen37:46 Contributions to GE Appliance's success39:28 The meaning of constancy of purpose41:04 Importance of knowing your north star41:55 The creation of Hoshin planning and why it fails the first year43:54 How we get out of the short-term approach Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Study Trip - super early registration rate now through March 31st! https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

In this thought-provoking episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we dive into the world of extreme ownership within a multi-mobbing environment. What happens when a mob/team wants to make a decision, like extracting a method, refactoring to a new pattern, or reorganizing code boundaries? Should that decision wait for approval from outside teams? Or does extreme ownership mean trusting the mob to act autonomously for maximum flow efficiency? Topics Discussed: Autonomy vs. Consensus: Should mobs prioritize quick decision-making or seek input from external teams? Multi-Mob Context: Exploring the dynamics of multiple mobs interacting and how to handle shared ownership of repositories and projects. Inverse Conway Maneuver: Can designing your organization's team structures to match the architecture you want your systems to have prevent this problem? Lean Thinking and Efficiency: How waiting for approvals from external owners can create lean wastes. Boundary Flexibility: Should code and team boundaries be rigid or adaptable to changing circumstances? The Monolith vs. Microservices Debate: Is the real issue a technical architecture debate or is the root problem found elsewhere? Scenarios and Examples: A hypothetical comparison of shared ownership in MS Word vs. MS Excel. The impact of Joe Justice's Law on decision-making and team interactions. The challenge of managing too many communication nodes in multi-team environments. Key Questions Discussed: Is it more valuable to reduce the number of teams interacting with a repo? Should boundaries of ownership evolve with time? How can we balance flow efficiency with healthy collaboration across teams? How does "Nothing in Tech Matters Except XP" impact this discussion? Subscribe and Stay Connected: Don't miss this insightful episode as we unravel these questions and more! Discover how the principles of extreme ownership and mob programming can transform team dynamics and decision-making processes in software development.

O que é Lean? O Lean é uma filosofia de gestão focada na criação de valor para o cliente eliminando desperdícios. Originado no sistema de produção da Toyota, o Lean se baseia nos seguintes princípios: Valor: Identificar o que é importante para o cliente. Fluxo de Valor: Mapear etapas que agregam valor ao processo. Fluxo Contínuo: Garantir que os processos fluam sem interrupções. Produção Puxada: Produzir somente conforme a demanda. Perfeição: Buscar a melhoria contínua. Exemplos de desperdícios (os "7 desperdícios do Lean"): Superprodução Espera Transporte desnecessário Processamento excessivo Estoque excessivo Movimentação desnecessária Defeitos O Six Sigma é uma metodologia baseada em dados, focada na redução da variabilidade dos processos para melhorar a qualidade. Utiliza ferramentas estatísticas e segue um ciclo de cinco etapas (DMAIC): Definir: Estabelecer os problemas e objetivos. Medir: Coletar dados sobre o processo atual. Analisar: Identificar causas raiz de problemas. Melhorar: Implementar soluções para eliminar problemas. Controlar: Garantir que os ganhos sejam mantidos. O Six Sigma busca alcançar um nível de qualidade com no máximo 3,4 defeitos por milhão de oportunidades (DPMO), promovendo a excelência. Embora eficazes por si só, Lean e Six Sigma têm limitações quando aplicados isoladamente: Lean pode melhorar a velocidade e a eficiência, mas não aborda profundamente variabilidade e controle estatístico. Six Sigma é excelente na redução de variabilidade, mas pode não priorizar a velocidade e o fluxo. A combinação de Lean Six Sigma une as forças das duas abordagens: Eliminação de desperdícios (Lean) + Redução de variabilidade (Six Sigma). Otimização simultânea de eficiência, qualidade e custos. Aumento da Satisfação do Cliente: Processos mais rápidos e com maior qualidade. Redução de Custos: Menos desperdícios e retrabalhos. Melhoria na Produtividade: Processos mais eficientes. Maior Agilidade: Resposta mais rápida às demandas do mercado. Decisões Baseadas em Dados: Uso de ferramentas estatísticas para garantir precisão. Manufatura: Redução de defeitos na linha de produção. Serviços: Melhorias no tempo de atendimento ao cliente. Saúde: Redução de erros médicos e tempos de espera. TI e Software: Aceleração do desenvolvimento com menos bugs. Lean: Mapeamento do Fluxo de Valor (VSM), 5S, Kanban, Kaizen. Six Sigma: Diagrama de Ishikawa, Gráficos de Controle, Análise de Regressão, Matriz de Causa e Efeito. A implementação eficaz do Lean Six Sigma exige uma mudança cultural: Envolvimento de todos os níveis hierárquicos. Formação de líderes como Green Belts e Black Belts. Comunicação clara dos benefícios e metas. Lean Six Sigma é uma abordagem poderosa que une a busca por eficiência do Lean com a precisão do Six Sigma. Quando implementado corretamente, pode transformar processos, reduzir custos e aumentar a competitividade organizacional. Se quiser explorar estudos de caso ou como aplicar na sua área, posso ajudar!

In der dieser Folge der Produktwerker spricht Tim mit Götz Müller, einem erfahrenen Experten für Lean Management in der Produktentwicklung und Gastgeber des langjährigen Podcasts „Kaizen 2 go“. Gemeinsam beleuchten sie die Verbindung zwischen Lean Thinking und moderner agiler Produktentwicklung. Dabei steht eine zentrale Frage im Fokus: Was können Product Owner und Produktmanager von den Prinzipien des Lean Product Managements lernen? Götz Müller bringt eine beeindruckende Expertise mit. Seit den 1990er Jahren beschäftigt er sich intensiv mit Lean Thinking, das ursprünglich im Kontext von Toyota und der Automobilindustrie entstand. Der Grundgedanke dabei ist ebenso einfach wie kraftvoll: Verschwendung vermeiden und den Wertstrom optimieren – vom ersten Kundenwunsch bis hin zur tatsächlichen Lieferung des Produkts. Lean Thinking ist auch in der digitalen Produktentwicklung relevant. Obwohl Lean oft mit der Massenproduktion assoziiert wird, lassen sich viele Prinzipien übertragen. Lean Management fordert beispielsweise, den Entwicklungsprozess kontinuierlich zu verbessern und stets die Perspektive des Kunden einzunehmen – sei es ein externer Kunde oder ein interner Abnehmer, wie etwa die Produktion in der Hardwareentwicklung. Ein spannender Aspekt ist die Rolle des sogenannten Chief Engineers im Lean-Kontext. Dieser definiert das Produkt in seiner Gesamtheit und trägt die Verantwortung dafür, dass alle Beteiligten auf ein gemeinsames Ziel hinarbeiten. Diese Rolle zeigt Parallelen zur Product-Owner-Rolle in Scrum, geht jedoch weit darüber hinaus, indem sie strategische, technische und menschliche Dimensionen miteinander verbindet. Die Diskussion dreht sich zudem um die Herausforderungen, die entstehen, wenn Hardware- und Softwareentwicklung eng verzahnt sind. Hier betont Götz, dass unterschiedliche Entwicklungszyklen und „Sprachen“ der beiden Bereiche oft zu Missverständnissen führen können. Ein tiefes Verständnis der jeweiligen Bedürfnisse und klare Kommunikation sind essenziell, um diese Hürden zu überwinden. Ein zentrales Learning aus Lean Thinking für Product Owner ist die Bedeutung von kontinuierlicher Verbesserung. In kleinen, iterativen Schritten sollte nicht nur das Produkt, sondern auch der gesamte Entwicklungsprozess optimiert werden. Dabei geht es nicht nur darum, effizient zu arbeiten, sondern vor allem effektiv – mit einem klaren Fokus auf den tatsächlichen Mehrwert für den Kunden. Das Gespräch zeigt eindrucksvoll, wie wichtig die Haltung der kontinuierlichen Verbesserung, auch bekannt als Kaizen, für erfolgreiches Produktmanagement ist. Lean Management in der Produktentwicklung bietet eine wertvolle Perspektive, um in einem unsicheren und komplexen Umfeld bessere Entscheidungen zu treffen. Die Verbindung von Lean und agilem Denken ermöglicht es, nicht nur schneller zu liefern, sondern auch langfristig nachhaltige Werte zu schaffen. Eine wertvolle ältere Folge unserer Podcasts in diesem Zusammenhang gibt es auch: - Kennt Kanban Product Owner? (mit Michael Mahlberg) Wer tiefer in das Thema einsteigen möchte, findet weitere wertvolle Inhalte im Podcast „Kaizen2go“ von Götz Müller. Viel weiteres Material gibt es auf seiner Webseite https://www.geemco.de/ Für Product Owner und Produktmanager, die ihre Arbeit um Lean-Prinzipien bereichern wollen, ist dies eine hervorragende Quelle der Inspiration. Und wer weitere Fragen an Götz Müller hat oder bzgl. Unterstützungsbedarf mit ihm reden möchte, kommt auch über sein LinkedIn-Profil sehr gut mit ihm in Kontakt. Wir hoffen, dass du einige neue Impulse aus den Erfahrungen von Götz gewinnen konntest. Hast du selber schon explizite Erfahrungen mit Lean Management gemacht und magst darüber berichten? Wir Produktwerker freuen uns, wenn du mit uns deine Tipps zu diesem Thema mit anderen Hörerinnen und Hörern teilst. Lass uns gerne einen Kommentar auf unserer Webseite oder auf LinkedIn.

In this episode, we are joined by Brad Cairns, lean manufacturing expert, to explore how construction and contracting business owners can use lean principles to eliminate waste, reduce rework, and improve efficiency by up to 50%!

Ever wondered how a childhood memory can shape your career? Join us as Fabrice, co-founder of Teodo, shares a fascinating story from his youth—a car fire that ignited his passion for tech reliability. 30 years later Fabrice is the co-founder of Teodo a tech consultancy powerhouse with 700 employees doing groundbreaking work in the energy sector and beyond, including their successful development of TF1's - French Television - streaming platform.Get ready to uncover the transformative principles of Agile and Lean Thinking that revolutionized software development and manufacturing. Fabrice and I trace these methodologies back to their origins, emphasizing their humanist vision that empowers teams to innovate and enhance efficiency. We highlight the shift from traditional waterfall methods to Agile's customer-centric approach, enriched by Lean's intelligent waste reduction. Hear stories of triumph and pitfalls and learn how these principles drive value creation through real-world examples.Scaling agile practices is no small feat. We explore the complexities of implementing methodologies like Scrum across large organizations and how Amazon's restructuring played a pivotal role in minimizing dependencies. Fabrice shares insights into maintaining agile's essence as companies expand, focusing on customer value and lean thinking to foster a responsive learning environment. Discover how reducing interdependencies can unleash growth potential, and why cultural shifts that view problems as opportunities are crucial for building a resilient, innovative organization.

In this podcast we explore the core idea that behavior change, not belief change, drives Lean transformation. Arnoud Herremans and Norbert Majerus explain how altering the environment to support new behaviors fosters Lean thinking.Using examples from Goodyear's Innovation Centers, the session demonstrates how coaching leaders and creating collaborative systems led to significant improvements. Practical strategies like Lean problem-solving, gemba walks, and role modeling will be discussed, showing how to build a Lean-friendly culture that promotes sustainable results.Attendees will gain tools to create environments where Lean behaviors—and ultimately, Lean thinking—can thrive. I hope you enjoy the podcast. To learn more about this subject, please visit Shingo.org/articles. 

What if you could create mind-blowing improvements in your performance and life with minimal effort every day? In this episode, we introduce Kaizen—the Japanese philosophy of small, consistent improvements that has fueled massive success in industries like manufacturing. Learn how applying this simple but powerful concept to your own life can help you crush your goals without the burnout.Get up to 48% off Magic Mind mental performance shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/anthonysanni and use CODE: ANTHONYS20The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:[00:00] – What Is Kaizen and Why It Works[03:01] – Stop Chasing Big Changes: Why Small Wins Matter More[06:09] – Fitness, Finance, and Compounding: The Real Power of Incremental Growth[15:25] – The Invisible Path to Success: Why 1% Matters Every Day[16:54] – How to Start Using Kaizen Right NowNotes and ReferencesKaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive SuccessImai, Masaaki. Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. McGraw-Hill, 1986.For those interested in learning more about Kaizen and how this principle transformed Japan's manufacturing industries, check out Masaaki Imai's classic book, Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. It's a great read for understanding the roots of this continuous improvement philosophy.Lean Management and Six SigmaWomack, James P., and Daniel T. Jones. Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation. Simon & Schuster, 2003.Kaizen is closely associated with Lean management and Six Sigma, frameworks widely used to reduce waste and improve efficiency. For more on these, consider reading Lean Thinking by James Womack, which gives an in-depth look into how these concepts can help businesses grow and thrive.Einstein's Quote on Compounding InterestThe attribution of the quote “Compounding interest is the eighth wonder of the world” to Albert Einstein is widely debated, and there's no definitive evidence that he actually said it. Whether or not Einstein said it, the principle behind it is incredibly powerful. By making small, consistent improvements—just like compounding interest—you can see exponential growth in almost any area of life.Compounding Interest and 1% Daily ImprovementIf you improve by just 1% every day, that adds up much faster than most people expect. Over the course of a year, those 1% gains can compound into something like 37 times better performance. While this example simplifies things a bit, the principle of compounding is key here. It's about getting a little better each day and letting those gains multiply over time.Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)Sanni, Anthony. The 80/20 Way to Productivity: Do More by Doing Less. Anthony's Book: The Law of The Vital FewAt 80/20 Productivity, we believe in focusing on the few things that make the biggest difference. This idea is based on the Pareto Principle, which tells us that 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts. To dive deeper into this, check out The Law of The Vital Few which breaks down how you can apply this rule to everything from work to personal growth.

Ever wonder what a Lean Investor thinks? What they see? The questions they ask? Probably not, since there are so few in existence. In this episode, Mark talks with his long-time friend and colleague of 34 years, Cliff Ransom, of Ransom Research. As a Wall Street Analyst, Cliff covered Danaher, starting in 1990 at their Jake Brake Division. He has dedicated his professional career to the understanding of Lean Thinking as it relates to investing and profitable growth. A life-long learner who has invested his own time on Shingijutsu Study Missions around the world, including Toyota Japan. Having grown up with Danaher, Cliff understands the growth and mindset that made Danaher the powerhouse it is today. Listen as you learn to see Lean through Cliff's eyes, as well as our discussion on the “next generation Danahers.”

In this episode of Trestle Tactics, we wrap up our “Lean Thinking” series with Kymberly Wrobles and Kayla Saunders as they dish out valuable insights on employee engagement in senior living food service. They emphasize that while efficient processes are crucial, true success hinges on a fully engaged team. They serve up three key strategies to create an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and committed to their roles. Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service #TT29 #KitchenEfficiency #SeniorDining #EmployeeEngagement #Productivity #Training #qualityAssurance #LeanKitchen #CulinaryManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceTips #OperationalExcellence #GordonFoodService --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support

In this episode of Lean Blog Interviews, Mark Graban welcomes Roberto Priolo, the Managing Editor of Planet Lean, the publication of the Lean Global Network. Based in Barcelona, Roberto has a background in journalism and extensive experience in covering Lean and continuous improvement topics. Mark and Roberto discuss the upcoming Lean Global Connection event, happening on November 21st and 22nd, 2024, which is a free, 24-hour virtual event designed to bring together the global Lean community. Episode page with transcript, video, and more Key Topics Discussed: The Origins of the Lean Global Connection Event: Roberto explains how the event began during the pandemic as a way to connect Lean practitioners worldwide when in-person gatherings were impossible. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to thrive, attracting speakers and attendees from over 120 countries. What to Expect at the 2024 Event: This year's theme, “Developing Adaptiveness in a Changing World,” addresses how Lean can help organizations navigate complex challenges like supply chain disruptions, geopolitical issues, and emerging technologies like AI. The event will feature nearly 100 presentations, spanning 24 hours, with thought leaders sharing real-world case studies, insights, and best practices. Speakers and Presentations: Mark and Roberto highlight key speakers such as Art Byrne, Jim Womack, John Shook, and many others from around the world. The event will also include external voices to help contextualize Lean's relevance in a broader geopolitical and business landscape. Psychological Safety in Lean: Mark shares details about his presentation, which will focus on psychological safety as a foundation for continuous improvement. He will explore how creating environments where employees feel safe to speak up about problems and ideas is crucial for effective Kaizen and strategy deployment. The Lean Social Side: Roberto emphasizes the importance of the "social side" of Lean, which often gets overlooked in favor of technical tools. He stresses the need for reinforcing this message continually within the Lean community to ensure organizations foster environments that prioritize human interaction and psychological safety. Additional Insights: The Event Format: The Lean Global Connection is designed as a global festival of Lean thinking, running for 24 hours straight, with two stages running simultaneously. Attendees can join at any time and catch up later with recorded sessions available on the Lean Global Network YouTube channel. Roberto's Lean Journey: Roberto shares his journey from studying journalism in London to becoming a central figure in the Lean community, managing Planet Lean and contributing to the Lean Global Network's mission of spreading Lean thinking. How to Join: Register for the free Lean Global Connection event here. Mark your calendar for November 21st and 22nd, and be sure to check out previous years' presentations on the Lean Global Network YouTube channel for a taste of what's to come. Resources Mentioned: Planet Lean website: Link to Planet Lean Lean Global Network YouTube channel: Link to YouTube Channel Event Registration: Link to Event Page Tune in for this exciting conversation with Roberto Priolo to learn more about how the Lean Global Connection continues to bring the world's Lean community together and what to expect in this year's event.

We continue our “Lean Thinking” series as Aaron shares how to transform your senior living food service operation with efficient workflow strategies. He shares practical tips for identifying bottlenecks, organizing workspaces, and optimizing staff performance. Learn how small changes can lead to significant improvements in productivity, staff satisfaction, and resident happiness. Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service #TT28 #KitchenEfficiency #SeniorDining #FoodServiceOptimization #Workflow #ProductivityHacks #LeanKitchen #CulinaryManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceTips #OperationalExcellence #GordonFoodService --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support

My guest for Episode #516 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jenn Christison, founder and principal consultant at Seven Ways Consulting. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Jenn has spent more than 15 years leading continuous improvement efforts across a variety of industries, including aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, non-profit, pharma, and tech. Guided by the principles of Respect for People and Continuous Improvement, Jenn brings a wealth of experience to her work, helping organizations achieve meaningful transformation. Jenn's journey began with a desire to change the world as a teacher, social worker, or stand-up comedian. discovered my biggest impact could be made leading organizational transformation. Jenn is also the author of the new book Even Better Leadership: Provocative Reflections to Guide Improvement and continues to embrace her stand-up comedy roots — if you know where to look. We're thrilled to have her on the show today to share her insights and experiences. In this episode, Jenn shares her journey from aerospace and defense at Boeing to leading Lean and continuous improvement efforts in healthcare and beyond. We discuss Jenn's Lean origin story, how her early experiences as a teacher, social worker, and stand-up comedian influenced her approach to leadership and transformation, and the lessons she's learned from working in various industries. Jenn also talks about her new book, Even Better Leadership: Provocative Reflections to Guide Improvement, and the iterative process behind its creation. Additionally, we explore the challenges of applying Lean in healthcare and the importance of prioritizing quality and respect for people in organizational improvement. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: Can you tell us your Lean origin story? How do lessons from being a teacher, social worker, and stand-up comedian shape your approach to transformation? What inspired you to write your new book, Even Better Leadership? How did you transition from aerospace to healthcare, and what sparked your interest in that shift? What are your thoughts on Boeing's recent struggles, especially on the commercial side? What were some challenges and surprises you encountered when applying Lean in healthcare? Can you share a favorite example of a successful Lean improvement at Seattle Children's? What led you to start your consulting firm, Seven Ways Consulting, and how does being an external consultant differ from working internally? What is the meaning behind the name 'Seven Ways Consulting'? What was the iterative process like for developing your book? What insights did you gain from working in various industries that you apply to leadership and improvement today? The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more. This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Digital twins are critical to the orchestration of AI agents, providing the context they need to create meaningful experiences quickly and efficiently. Robb and Josh welcome Dr. Michael Grieves for a conversation about the origins of the concept, which he developed while working with NASA in the 2010s. The architecture required for orchestrating AI agents relies on different types of digital twins that may emerge within an organization, touching on physical elements, temporal data, and collections of unstructured data. Dr. Grieves joins the podcast to explore these connections, drawing from his book Product Lifecycle Management as well as his numerous scientific publications. The trio also discusses how something Michael calls “retirementitus” prevents organizations from embracing the sweeping technologies surrounding AI and digital twins. Learn about orchestrating AI agents for your team: https://onereach.ai/ai-agents/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=digital_twins_episode&utm_content=1 Buy Dr. Michael Grieves' book: “Product Lifecycle Management: Driving the Next Generation of Lean Thinking”: https://www.amazon.com/Product-Lifecycle-Management-Generation-Thinking/dp/0071452303 #AIPodcast #TechPodcast #InvisibleMachines #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ConversationalAI #AIAgents #TechInsights #DigitalTwins #AIOrchestration #ProductManagement #TechInnovation #DataArchitecture #MichaelGrieves #FutureOfAI #TechTalk

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, we speak with Regis Megina, a software industry veteran who has undergone a journey from Agile to Lean. Regis shares insights on:   How he transitioned from early frustrations with waterfall development to embracing Agile and Extreme Programming  The challenges he faced in spreading these new ideas, and why he ultimately sought a deeper understanding of Lean principles  Regis' current work applying Lean Thinking to startups and scale-ups, including creating educational materials and training programs  The importance of continuous learning, technical mastery, and developing team capabilities - rather than just focusing on process improvement tools.  For more insights into Lean Thinking applied to product development, subscribe to the Design Brief newsletter. 

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This week on Trestle Tactics we are continuing our Lean Thinking series as Aaron brings in Dana Fillmore & Tiffany Nabozny from GFS to share their insights & experiences with ways that operators can find efficiencies in how they approach the biggest task in a kitchen - meal production. Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service. #TT25 #LeanThinking #SeniorLiving #OperationlaExcellence #FoodService #ChefLife #KitchenEfficiency #RestaurantManagement #SeniorDining --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support

Todd Patriacca was more than a dozen years into his finance career when two things happened that accelerated its trajectory. The first was that he found a mentor—or, rather, that his future mentor found him. The second was that he became immersed in Lean culture. Starting his career at Arthur Andersen, Patriacca spent nearly 10 years in public accounting, a span that allowed him to gain a broad perspective on various industries. However, it was in a subsequent role as corporate controller at a private company that he found a mentor to guide him through essential areas like tax, treasury, and operations—preparing him for the CFO role that he eventually assumed. It was during these years that Patriacca was introduced to Lean principles. Initially rooted in manufacturing, Lean focuses on continuous improvement and eliminating waste. Patriacca saw the potential to apply these methodologies to finance. He began by implementing standardized processes and automation, significantly improving efficiency. For instance, 80% of accounts payable invoices with purchase orders became processed without human intervention, allowing his team to focus on exceptions and strategic tasks. Upon joining BVI Medical in 2023, Patriacca continued to champion Lean principles. He established a Center of Excellence in Poland, centralizing operations to enhance efficiency and scalability. His approach to Lean extended to leveraging AI for forecasting and inventory management, exploring opportunities to further streamline operations. When asked how far along in their career finance professionals should be exposed to Lean thinking, Patriacca's response is clear: “As early as possible.” He believes that early exposure helps finance professionals to develop a mind-set geared toward continuous improvement and collaboration. Patriacca's career journey underscores the transformative impact of Lean thinking, illustrating its power to drive efficiency and innovation in finance.

ใครๆ ก็บอกว่าการบริหารองค์กรแบบลีนหรือ “Lean Management” เป็นวิถีใหม่แห่งโลกธุรกิจที่มาพร้อมแนวคิดทำน้อยแต่ได้มากสุดคุ้มค่า ทว่าความเป็นจริงอาจไม่หอมหวานอย่างที่คิด เมื่อความเข้าใจผิดเพียงเล็กน้อยอาจพาธุรกิจไปเจอกับทางตัน แทนที่จะเป็นทางออกก็ได้ . ในฐานะผู้นำองค์กรและผู้บริหารธุรกิจ จะรู้ได้อย่างไรว่าตนเองพาองค์กรมาถูกทาง หรือกำลังนำแนวคิดลีน (Lean Thinking) มาใช้ผิดวิธี และที่สำคัญคือจะปรับเปลี่ยนการบริหารอย่างไรให้ธุรกิจเติบโตได้อย่างมั่นคงและยั่งยืน มาร่วมรู้เท่าทันคมดาบของการบริหารแบบลีน เตรียมพร้อมขับเคลื่อนองค์กรอย่างมีประสิทธิภาพไปกับ Mission To The Moon และ ‘แฮม-ธัชพล' Head of Project Manager จาก KBTG ใน EP. 2163 . . #LeanManagement #ProjectManagement #missiontothemoon #missiontothemoonpodcast

On this episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron introduces the concept of "Lean Thinking" and how it can have a significant impact on your foodservice operations. This is the first of a multi-part series featuring lean thinking & operational excellence. Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service. #LeanKitchen #OperationalExcellence #KitchenEfficiency #CulinaryProductivity #PeakPerformance #FoodServiceOptimization#LeanThinking #KitchenWorkflow #CostReductionTips #KitchenProcessImprovement #seniorliving #seniordining #TT18 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support

Come join Share PLM for another podcast episode with Jim van Oss, a PLM veteran with over 39 years of experience at Moog (currently retired) and a Senior PLM Strategist for FYES. Jim specializes in PLM strategy and data models, intellectual property, Engineering and IT Management.  Join us in this podcast episode as we dive deep into:⚉ Who is Jim van Oss ⚉ Moog's Journey and Product Portfolio ⚉ Early Days of CAD and PDM Systems ⚉ The shift to PLM system ⚉ Implementing PLM at Moog ⚉ Integration of ERP and PLM Systems ⚉ Three main strategies for PLM at Moog ⚉ The future of PLM and Artificial Intelligence ⚉ Trademarks and Intellectual Property ⚉ Managing organizational change ⚉ Jim's advice for successful transformation ⚉ Takeaways MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ⚉ [Book] Product Lifecycle Management: Driving the Next Generation of Lean Thinking by Michael Grieves - https://amzn.to/4cvlBJi ⚉ [Book] The Digital Twin by Noel Crespi, Adam T. Drobot, Roberto Minerva - https://amzn.to/3VzSSfD ⚉ [Book] Virtually Perfect: Driving Innovative and Lean Products through Product Lifecycle Management by Michael Grieves - https://amzn.to/4cueGQy CONNECT WITH JIM: ⚉ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvanoss/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM: ⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy. If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

Ever wondered how to find the perfect mentor who can guide you on your career journey? Finding a mentor can nerve-wreaking, but with the right approach and examples, it's entirely possible. What are the best strategies for identifying and connecting with a mentor? In this episode you'll find 8 real-life examples of actionable steps you can take to find your ideal mentor. Tune in to this episode to discover: ✔️ How to find mentors effectively using proven strategies ✔️ Tips on how to approach someone to be your mentor ✔️ Strategies to get someone to mentor you with confidence ✔️ Key topics to discuss with your mentor for maximum growth ✔️ Techniques to convert mentors into sponsors for career advancement   ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915   ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2   ✅ Order our book, ‘Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/   ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/     ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company:  http://assertiveway.com/workshops   ✅ Other Episodes You'll Like Mastering Mentor & Sponsor Connections: Insider Advice from 5 Trailblazing Professionals: How You Can Assemble a Powerful Advisory Team To Support Your Career (with Sabeen Syed) How To Build Professional Relationships With Executives As A Non-Executive - Tips from a Sr. Director of Engineering in Tech (With Bao Chau) How To Overcome Initial Awkwardness with Mentors, Embrace Candor and Lean Thinking (with Kelly Thomas) How To Get Adopted By Sponsors And Mentors (With Vanitha Ponnarasi)   ✅ Free Resources FREE Training & presentation on How To Be Assertive Without Being Rude, Aggressive, or Offensive: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/assertivenotrude  Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ Ivna's Unapologetic Voice Stories: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/ivnastories From Rambling To Articulate PDF Guide: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/articulate Podcast episode lists by theme: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/speakyourmindunapologeticallytopics Women in Tech Leaders Podcast Interviews: https://assertiveway.com/womenintechpodcastguests/ Podcast Summaries & More Email Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Our Linkedin Blog Articles:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6863880009879306240/   TEDx Talk How To Speak Up Safely When It's Psychologically Unsafe: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/safespeak 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Other Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/   ✅ Work With Us Workshops: http://assertiveway.com/workshops   Break The Silence: https://assertiveway.com/communicationculturetransformation/ Services: https://assertiveway.com/offerings Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2 Website: https://assertiveway.com   ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Ask me your question for the next episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, Jim Womack and John Krafcik share the origin story of the term "lean." Jim led the MIT global benchmarking study of the automotive industry, which led to the seminal book The Machine That Changed the World, and John was one of the principal researchers. Jim went on to co-author a similarly influential book, Lean Thinking, and founded the Lean Enterprise Institute. John Krafcik became an executive in the auto industry, serving as CEO of Hyundai America and Waymo. The discussion closes by turning from the past to the future with updates on Waymo's autonomous driving technology. This conversation took place at LEI's Lean Summit in March 2024. Special note: Are you keen to explore how technology such as autonomy will reshape the future workplace? Join us at "The Future of People at Work Symposium" July 18-19 in Detriot, MI, to learn about these challenges from business luminaries like Jim Womack and Jeff Liker and collaborate with peers to address them. Click here to learn more and register.

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI speaks with Alan Goodman, professor and department chair of quality engineering at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Alan spent his career in operations at GE before becoming a professor. The podcast explores his recent work to teach young students lean skills to prepare them for careers after school. In the discussion, we explore:  Alan's background in lean and how he's transferring his skills to students through a program he's grown from a one-week online course to a year-round initiative.  Getting students interested in lean concepts through interactive games and how to apply these lessons to adult learning. Alan's vision to partner with companies to create a pipeline for students to enter the workforce from school. Methods Alan incorporates new technologies like AI and gamification into his teaching methods to foster creativity and critical thinking.    If you'd like to support Alan's work, check out https://cityonahillmke.org. 

How does a high school dropout go on to earn a Ph.D. from the University Of Iowa and become the host of one of Apple Podcast's Top 15 shows on Management? Dr. Andrew Temte's mission is to Teach, Coach, Mentor, and Inspire, and today, the Scaling UP! H2O podcast is honored to feature him. In this transformative interview, Andrew discusses the foundational elements of building company culture, emphasizing that it starts with leadership. He shares valuable insights on why companies should prioritize defining their purpose before diving into marketing strategies. Additionally, Andrew explores the concept of leadership as stewardship and offers guidance on identifying core values while ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued. Discover the Value of People in Business: Emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering employees, the conversation delves into how people are the most valuable asset in any organization. The need for leaders to embrace diversity of thought and opinion to create a culture where every voice is valued is highlighted. Explore Leadership Mindset: The transition from directive to non-directive leadership styles is discussed, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected. Embrace a Stewardship Mindset: Advocating for adopting a stewardship mindset as a leader, the discussion focuses on the long-term success of both the business and its people, rather than personal power or ego. Learn about Compassionate Leadership: The concept of compassionate leadership is explored, which involves empathizing with employees and taking proactive steps to address their needs and concerns. Key Takeaway: Discover the importance of purpose and adopting a stewardship mindset, especially in cross-generational leadership, as highlighted in this insightful conversation. Everyone knows what it's like to work for a horrible boss, but what could your life look like if you had a great boss - one who viewed you as the greatest asset in the company, ensured everyone's voice was heard, and lived out the company values in their daily lives. A leader with empathy is what every team wants. If you're eager to enhance your leadership skills and empower yourself and your team in the water industry, join us to uncover essential insights on making your team flourish, regardless of the challenges you may face.   Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore welcomes you to the second quarter of 2024, a good time to review your goals and make a plan for the next quarter  07:00 - The Hang is coming up April 11, 2024 and Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  12:30 - Interview with Dr. Andrew Temte  48:00 - Lightning round questions 59:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald    Quotes “Values and behaviors go together like peanut butter and jelly. Values are the nouns that you are creating for the overall structure of what you want your business to be. Behaviors are the verbs, they are the actions, they are the ‘how' we should show up each day in the business. Don't shy away from that work, engage in that work, and pay it the attention that it's due.” - Dr. Andrew Temte  “Far too many leaders leave the business world and take all of their accumulated knowledge with them; maybe it gets disseminated to a small group of folks, maybe they do a little teaching and coaching on the side. I wanted to do something much bigger than that. I wanted to reach a much larger potential audience.” - Dr. Andrew Temte  “Go to the Gemba - where the work happens and how teams interact. Listen to the people who interact with your customers. Set your ego aside and go to where the work happens, and listen to where the work is going on.” - Dr. Andrew Temte  “As a leader, you need to create clarity. Clarity for everybody involved: your customers, your vendors, your people, your investors, your stakeholders.” - Dr. Andrew Temte  “As a compassionate leader, you need to hear the successes and the pain points across the organization.” - Dr. Andrew Temte  “Compassionate leadership is Empathy + Willingness and the ability to do something about it. You are putting yourself into the shoes of your people, and you are pledging to make their work better.” - Dr. Andrew Temte    Connect with Andrew Temte Phone: 608.385.9050 Email: andy@skillsowl.com Website: www.andrewtemte.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/atemte   Links Mentioned Skills Owl Add a link to Andy's podcast show, The Balancing Act Podcast Listen to Episode 109 of The Balancing Act Podcast with Trace Blackmore HERE  Podify Episode 4 with Charlie Cichetti The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea AWT (Association of Water Technologies)   Books Mentioned The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows by Andrew Temte Balancing Act: Teach Coach Mentor Inspire by Andrew Temte The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington What the Heck Is EOS? by Gino Wickman and Tom Bouwer Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations by Jack Skeels The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals by Dave Bookbinder The People Side of Lean Thinking by Robert Brown   2024 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.   Drop By Drop with James  Today's topic is Reverse Osmosis data normalization. Over time, RO membrane performance changes. The quality and quantity of permeate water produced and the energy required to produce it will vary.  In Episode 339, Jane Kucera, author of the book “Reverse Osmosis,” said, “There are six things that affect membrane performance:  fouling, scaling, membrane degradation, temperature, pressure, and concentration.”    I really like that succinct list: fouling, scaling, membrane degradation, temperature, pressure, and concentration. The impacts of each of these are interrelated and complex. Changes in one of them can either hide or exasperate the effects of another. For example, dropping temperature may reduce the permeate flow rate while increasing pressure may increase it, thus canceling out the effects of each.  This makes it next to impossible to determine the true performance of an RO system by simply looking at the raw data.    So, what's the solution? If we lived in the world of scifi, we could take today's RO membranes, put them into a time machine, activate the flux capacitor like in “Back to the Future,” travel back in time, and install those membranes in the RO machine at the same time they were started up, replaced, or even cleaned so you could measure how they would perform under the exact same conditions as the baseline. The same pressure, same temperature, and same water concentration. I keep saying the word “same,” but that is key here.  How would today's membranes perform in yesterday's machine under the same baseline conditions? Then you could eliminate the influences of changes in temperature, pressure, and concentration and figure out the real impacts of fouling, scaling, and membrane degradation. Simple, right? Now where did we put that flux capacitor? It's got to be around here somewhere. Oh, wait.  Flux capacitors don't actually exist yet. Dang it! Now what?    That's where normalization comes into play. Normalization is a fancy way of saying you are going to MATHEMATICALLY take those membranes back in time and adjust for changes in temperature, pressure, and concentration. This will allow you to make an apples-to-apples comparison of permeate flows by calculating the normalized permeate flow (NPF) of today to compare to the permeate flow at the baseline conditions.  The same goes for normalized pressure differential (NPD) and normalized salt rejection (NSR).  Your next logical question may be, “Well, where do I get these miraculous normalization equations?” While there are ASTM standards for such calculations, your easiest route is probably to visit your RO membrane manufacturer's website to download their normalization tool. It may be as simple as an Excel worksheet. If you manage an RO system, it is worth your time to learn how to use these tools to normalize your RO data so you know when it is time to clean the membranes and to find problems as they occur.   

In this episode, Val and Dale interview Ali Maffey about project management and the importance of lean thinking. They discuss the challenges of project planning, the role of technology in project management, and the complexity of project management tools. They also delve into the difference between identifying threats and shortening programs, the flaws of long-term planning, and the benefits of small projects. The conversation concludes with final thoughts and anecdotes from Ali.Takeaways Lean thinking is crucial in project management as it focuses on eliminating waste and improving efficiency. Project planning can be challenging, especially when it comes to long-term planning and forecasting risks in novel projects. Technology plays a significant role in project management, but it can also add complexity and hinder progress if not used effectively. Identifying bottlenecks and addressing them is essential for successful project execution. Improving project management requires a collective effort from all project professionals, and a focus on collaboration and breaking down silos. Ali started on-site as an engineer in Terminal 4 in 1980. I worked my way up to the project management role and, after two projects, decided how projects worked wasn't for me. Nothing seemed to work and I felt that it wasn't intellectually engaging. It was all chasing sub-contractors and engaging in energy-sapping toxic behaviours such as blaming and defensive reasoning. Ali left construction to do an MBA and then worked at a large automotive company looking at life cycle cost and productivity. It was during this period that I discovered an environment where things worked. The right colour door arrived at the right colour car every time. Ali came back to construction and joined Balfour Beatty Civils and Rail major projects. Early on, I was asked, based on my automotive experience and MBA, to join the Business Improvement Team (BIT) which was probably the first of its kind in construction. The BIT was made up of 5 of the smartest people I have met in construction. We then spent 6 years testing out everything and anything we read or heard about. Ali started with implementing TQM before Lean Thinking. We helped Eli Goldratt with his first trial of Critical Chain. We met Gelen Ballard soon after his Last Planner paper was published. We tested out ideas from Semco and Riccardo Semler, setting up self-managing front-line teams on major projects. In 1999, Ali was seconded to Egan's M4I (backed by the cabinet office) as an innovation advisor. I helped develop the Construction National KPIs, promote offsite manufacturing, and encourage the use of partnering PPC2000 forms of contract. Ali also set up and ran the first Lean Thinking training workshops in construction. Ali was also responsible for validating the innovations claimed by the 68 Egan complaint demonstration projects and producing the ministerial report for the parliament. In 2004 he helped set up Lean Thinking Ltd and became a member of Buildoffsite. At a later date, he supported the first BIM trial project. Ali has been involved with more than 200 projects and have experimented with more ideas, tools, techniques, initiatives, etc, on more live projects for a longer period than probably anyone else in the industry globally. Proudly Supported by Deltek - ⁠www.deltek.com⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/project-chatter-podcast/message

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, our guests are Jennifer Trask and Brittney Heatherington from MillerKnoll. Trask is the Director of the MillerKnoll Performance System (HMPS) for business processes and dealer network, while Heatherington is a continuous improvement coach for the dealer network.  In our discussion, we explore:  MillerKnoll's methodical approach to people development.  How MillerKnoll has built a culture of operational excellence throughout its value stream from its factories to its dealers.  How MillerKnoll successfully engages dealers in problem-solving by coaching at the gemba. The importance of approaching problems situationally versus applying a fixed solution.

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Jill Katic and Grace Eovaldi from Barton Malow, a major construction company that has recently seen significant growth. Jill and Grace share how they've been working to foster a culture of problem solving throughout Barton Malow, principally through a program dubbed Lean University.  During the conversation we dive into the following:   Lean Principles and A3 Problem-Solving: Exploring Lean University's five-day training program, which introduces participants to lean principles and the A3 problem-solving method over a three-month period.  Problem Identification and Analysis: How Jill and Grace use the program to help participants identify and dissect problems in their work, guiding them in developing effective countermeasures.  Business and Cultural Results at Barton Mallow: Insights into the tangible business outcomes and cultural shifts experienced by Barton Malow since beginning Lean University.  Lean Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: The significance of Lean University for organizations seeking to cultivate lean thinking and problem-solving abilities among their employees.  Barton Mallow's Lean Journey: An overview of Barton Malow's experience with Lean University and its role in transforming the company's culture.  Special note: Jill and Grace will lead a learning session about building a problem-solving culture through Lean University at the Lean Summit in March 2024. To learn more and register, click here.

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Mehmet Gur, Senior Director of Operations Engineering at DHL eCommerce. He has been leading the company's next-generation automation efforts. Since the pandemic, DHL eCommerce – DHL's business-to-consumer unit – has faced dramatic increases in volume. This surge required new automation technology to meet customer demand and heightened expectations regarding delivery speed. Mehmet oversees a large team of technical engineers tasked with meeting this challenge.  During the discussion we touch on:   Lean Thinking and Automation: How Mehmet's team used value-stream mapping to close the gap between automation equipment's theoretical throughput and actual throughput.   Automation Evaluation: What should organizations consider before investing millions in new technology.  People Development: How to use problem-solving at the gemba to not just solve intractable technical problems but develop engineers.   AI in Distribution: How emerging technologies are revolutionizing logistics for higher throughput and customer satisfaction.  Mehmet will lead a learning session on these themes at the LEI Lean Summit in March 2024. To learn more and take advantage of early registration discounts, visit lean.org/summit. Register by October 31 to save up to $900 on your summit registration.   

Chris Butterworth is a multi-award-winning author, speaker, and coach. He is a certified Shingo Institute master-level facilitator and a Shingo Institute Faculty Fellow and examiner. He is the winner of Best New Speaker of the Year Award for The Executive Connection (TEC) for his talk on Lean Thinking and the co-author of the widely acclaimed Shingo publication award winning books 4+1: Embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement and The Essence of Excellence and is also the editor of the Shingo Institute book Enterprise Alignment and Results.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Episode page with transcript and more Featuring James P. (Jim) Womack, Katie Anderson, Jamie V Parker, and Mark Graban. There's more to come from me, Katie, and Jamie about the day.  Jamie's podcast is "Lean Leadership for Ops Managers." Katie's new podcast is called "Chain of Learning." - Coming soon Videos from the GE Lean Mindset sessions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxRhTjvLlyoIh7CVg51ZIM5hRl5XOjlgl **A Candid Conversation on Lean Thinking: Breaking Down the Lean Mindset with Industry Experts** Join us as we delve into a Deep Dive bonus episode of "Lean Blog Interviews," focusing on the intricacies of Lean Thinking. The thought-provoking analysis of the Lean Mindset is led by four esteemed panelists — Mark Graban, Katie Anderson, Jim Womack, and Jamie V. Parker — who share their takeaways from the 'GE Lean Mindset' event.  Central to Lean Thinking is the relentless pursuit of improvement — a belief that stands tall even amidst failings and setbacks. Coupled with the embracing of failure as a fundamental part of the learning process, the idea of never-ending improvement underscores the Lean Mindset. The panelists share their thoughts and experiences revolving around these integral components of Lean Thinking.

In this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, host Jenny Herald dives into the dynamic world of marketing with Renata Lerch. Renata shares her career journey, highlighting the evolution of marketing's role beyond departmental boundaries and the integration of operational strategies in creating a seamless brand experience. From her extensive global experience to her deep dive into different methodologies, Renata explores how these frameworks have shaped her approach to marketing.Key Things Discussed: The integration of operational strategies in marketing, aligning it with broader organizational goals. The power of blending frameworks to foster adaptation and team buy-in. Practical insights into applying methodologies in marketing for improved collaboration, prioritization, and iterative success. Show Notes [00:00:38] The Evolution of Marketing and Agile Methods. Renata discusses her career journey, integrating operations into marketing for a cohesive brand experience. She mentions Lean, Six Sigma, Scrum, and Agile methodologies' impact, emphasizing the need for framework-agnostic approaches with systems and design thinking. [00:04:21] Applying Scrum in a Marketing Environment: Team Composition and Roles. The discussion highlights roles in Scrum translated to marketing teams. The product owner's role as a liaison is crucial, and the scrum master role's absence in small marketing teams is discussed. [00:09:03] Applying Empiricism and Lean Thinking in Marketing: Mindset and Frameworks. Renata stresses mindset shifts, invoking consumer perspectives, fostering collaboration, and using frameworks for decision-making and campaign building. Transparency, data democratization, and benefit mapping are highlighted. [00:14:14] Scrum Ceremonies in Marketing: Sprint Planning and Retrospectives. The importance of sprint planning, flexible sprint duration, and the significance of retrospectives in recognizing wins and enhancing team dynamics is discussed. [00:18:50] Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives: Combining or Delineating? Renata talks about the choice between separate or combined sprint reviews and retrospectives, based on agile marketing leaders' preferences and organization size. [00:20:02] Aligning Backlog, Product Goals, and Sprint Goals in Marketing. Prioritization, deadlines, and the interconnectedness of marketing with other departments shape the marketing backlog. The synchronization of marketing goals with company deliverables is highlighted. [00:28:16] Balancing Iteration and Quality: Definition of Done in Marketing. Renata talks about the challenge of balancing iteration and quality in marketing's definition of done, emphasizing compliance with brand standards, quality, and voice and tone. [00:30:17] Blending Frameworks and Fostering Adaptation in Agile Marketing. Renata discusses blending Scrum and Kanban, adapting to the team's comfort level, and gaining buy-in through iterative, open-minded, and data-driven approaches. [00:33:49] Embracing Scrumban for Visualizing Work and Managing Overload. Renata shares her Scrumban implementation experience, emphasizing the value of visualizing work and understanding team culture. [00:36:09] Overcoming Misconceptions and Embracing Flexibility in Scrumban. The challenge of people confusing Scrum's prescription with Scrumban's flexibility is discussed, focusing on understanding best practices that work for the team. [00:44:43] Quick-Fire Questions for Renata: Dream with a deadline: Renata's dream is to have a team that is highly focused and synchronized, both within the marketing team and across the organization, understanding priorities and interdependencies, and being aware of the company's direction. Advice for embarking on an agile transformation journey in marketing: Start small and iterate. Begin with one team or implement tools like Jira or Trello to initiate the agile process, and then gradually expand and refine the approach. Biggest fail in working with agile methods: Renata shared an experience where the CEO of an organization disrupted agile processes, causing confusion and undermining progress. The key learning was that while bottom-up initiatives can work, without top-level support, it becomes challenging to sustain agile practices effectively. Books that shaped Renata's thinking: Renata highlighted the significance of the book "Systems Thinking" as a paradigm-shifting resource. She also mentioned that books on meditation offer valuable perspectives on agile methodologies. Specifically, she found Donella Meadows' book to be incredible. Relevant links: Jeff Sutherland, Inventor and Co-Creator of Scrum Donella Meadows, lead author of the books The Limits to Growth and Thinking In Systems: A Primer Thinking in Systems, by Donella Meadows About the Guest:Renata Lerch is a visionary leader and Agile marketing expert with a passion for exploring the possibilities of Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Marketing. Renata is a published author, renowned speaker, and trilingual executive, skilled in motivating teams and transforming marketing strategies.Follow Our Guest:Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines:Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company:  http://assertiveway.com/workshops Ever wondered how to engage with a mentor without feeling awkward? Our guest has found out how. Kelly Thomas is an accomplished Operations and Pricing Leader for power generation, oil, and gas at GE Digital. Not only is she a beacon of candid communication and DEI advocacy, she also serves as the Women's Network Co-Chair, and is a proud mom, mentor, and budding runner. Tune in to this episode to discover: ✔️The subtle art of engaging with your mentor even in the face of initial awkwardness. ✔️The transformation of mentors into sponsors and how it paves the way to success. ✔️The importance of using your mentor not just as a venting machine, but as a tool for growth. ✔️The essence of Lean Thinking and how it can be used to gain support and buy-in. ✔️A real-world approach to applying Lean Thinking in group problem-solving scenarios. ✔️The fulfillment derived from giving and receiving feedback with candor. Through her own journey and experiences, Kelly unveils the powerful blend of mentorship, Lean Thinking, and candid feedback that is required for individual and team success. Join us for an enlightening conversation and start embracing the power of effective communication today!   ✅ Follow Ivna Curi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/     ✅ Other Episodes You'll Like Mastering Mentor & Sponsor Connections: Insider Advice from 5 Trailblazing Professionals (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/mastering-mentor-sponsor-connections-insider-advice-from-5-trailblazing-professionals Leadership and Advocacy: Creating Positive Change: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/leadership-and-advocacy-creating-positive-change Ask and You Shall Receive: How to Make Requests that Unlock Success and Propel Your Life Forward: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/ask-and-you-shall-receive-how-to-make-requests-that-unlock-success-and-propel-your-life-forward What People Get Wrong About Trust: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/what-people-get-wrong-about-trust 13 Bad Reasons Why You Don't Ask For What You Want: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/13-bad-reasons-why-you-dont-ask-for-what-you-want The Art of Asking for Feedback: Tips and Techniques: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-art-of-asking-for-feedback-tips-and-techniques How to Respond to Constructive Criticism: Learning to Love Negative Feedback: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-respond-to-constructive-criticism-learning-to-love-negative-feedback How To Receive Feedback Gracefully (And What Not To Do): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-receive-feedback-gracefully-and-what-not-to-do How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive (an assertiveness technique with examples): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-take-criticism-without-getting-defensive 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job : https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job     ✅ Free Resources Podcast Summaries & More Email Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Our Linkedin Blog Articles:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6863880009879306240/   Women in Tech Leaders Podcast Interviews: https://assertiveway.com/womenintechpodcastguests/ TEDx Talk How To Speak Up Safely When It's Psychologically Unsafe: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/safespeak 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Other Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/   ✅ Work With Us Workshops: http://assertiveway.com/workshops   Services: https://assertiveway.com/offerings Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2 Website: https://assertiveway.com   ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Ask me your question for the next episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion   ✅ Podcast Topic Compilations 8 Real Life Examples On How To Deal With Difficult Coworkers (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-examples-on-how-to-deal-with-difficult-coworkers Mastering Mentor & Sponsor Connections: Insider Advice from 5 Trailblazing Professionals (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/mastering-mentor-sponsor-connections-insider-advice-from-5-trailblazing-professionals How To Find Courage To Speak Up (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-courage-to-speak-up-4-examples 4 Examples On How To Get The Promotion You Want (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-examples-on-how-to-get-the-promotion-you-want 4 Tips On How To Successfully Share Your Ideas At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-tips-on-how-to-successfully-share-your-ideas-at-work-compilation How To Cope With Stress At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-cope-with-stress-at-work-compilation     #Mentorship #LeanThinking #CandidCommunication #SpeakYourMindUnapologetically

Continuous improvement, known as “lean” in the manufacturing world, has been a guiding force for Ben Pryor, vice president of commercial for the Coats Co. Earlier in his career at Hennessy Industries (parent company of Coats), Pryor spent four months learning lean principles by going to the “gemba” – a Japanese term that refers to the place where the work is done. Pryor, appearing on “AMN Drivetime” with Bill Babcox, says the four-month lean immersion was “a rich experience” that continues to inform his thinking and decisions. The experience built on his previous exposure to lean while working for a manufacturing business in the St. Louis area earlier in his career.In this “AMN Drivetime” episode, Ben and Bill also talk about:00:36 – Ben's path to the automotive aftermarket2:14 – People who have influenced Ben the most during his career4:00 – Life-changing, momentous moments in his career8:16 – Process of company rebranding10:38 – Branching into other service categories11:59 – Coats' shop-productivity software15:18 – How tire equipment likely will evolve17:25 – The Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN.

Roll up your sleeves folks! We're diving deep into the trenches of Lean Thinking in our latest CMPS episode. We're talking business transformation, waste reduction, and getting back to making some serious profit in your construction business. In this episode, we're sharing the inspiring story of “Andy” I dont use real names so we will call him “Andy”, a construction business owner who pulled his operation out of the muck and turned it into a lean, mean, building machine. From being buried under administrative tasks to clocking a handsome 2.3 million in a little over a year, Andy's journey is nothing short of a blueprint to success. We break down how he applied the principles of Lean Thinking to his business, cutting out waste and ramping up productivity. You'll learn how to identify the eight types of waste in your operation - from defects and overproduction to unnecessary motion and waiting. But we don't just stop at identifying the problem, we're also serving up solutions on a silver platter! This episode also explores the role of a coach in driving business transformation. We cover the benefits of having an experienced guide in your corner, from strategic planning and overcoming obstacles to providing objective feedback and brainstorming growth opportunities. So if you're feeling like you're stuck in the mud, tune in to this episode. You might just find the traction you need to get your construction business back on solid ground. Remember, change may be tough, but then again, so are you! 'Til next week, keep striving, keep building, and keep making those construction dreams come true! BOOK A CALL WITH US There is a lot more where this came from, Check out our other episodes below.   FACEBOOK : LINKEDIN:

Episode page with video, transcript, and more Joining us for Episode #479 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Arnout Orelio, a returning guest (from Episode 403 in 2021). He has been working with Lean management since 1995, the last 15 years as a trainer, coach, and consultant in healthcare.  He is the owner of The Lean Mentor, where he helps people who want to (learn to) improve healthcare. Arnout focuses on teaching lean leadership, as an author, speaker, and mentor, bringing top performance and high levels of productivity within everyone's reach. His mission is to make “more time for better health care.” His first book was Lean Thinking for Emerging Healthcare Leaders and, today, we're discussing his brand new book, Lean Thinking in Healthcare. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: How do you summarize your 25 years of learning how to improve? Creating more time for better healthcare? Problem and productivity as dirty words? Similarities between Dutch and US health systems / payers? What's the general state of healthcare in the Netherlands right now? It's hard to manage the work when you don't understand the work From the cover — 4 things… do they represent “True North” to you? At your hospital?  Right care, right place, right time for the right patient Zero Waste – resource efficiency vs flow efficiency? How to engage everybody in improvement, every day? Fixing or redesigning the system vs. improving the system? Learn to change small systems first Cycle of continuous misery? Not just what are we moving from, but also what are we moving to? What does it mean to “learn from the best” in your experience? The best hospitals? The best organizations? Two problems with learning from others? The podcast is sponsored by Stiles Associates, now in its 30th year of business. They are the go-to Lean recruiting firm serving the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare industries. Learn more. This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Episode page with transcript and more Joining us for Episode #476 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Ken Pilone, who has more than 30 years experience in Organization Development in Government, Retail, Automotive, Distribution, and Aerospace. He recently retired from Providence Health & Services, working most recently as the Senior Manager of Business Process Engineering at Providence Health & Services — a role that encompassed internal Lean consulting, including executive coaching, lean training, leadership development, and all functions typical of a lean promotion or PI/CI function. He's now working as an independent coach. He spent nearly 20 years with Toyota as Lean consultant within the company as well as with suppliers, vendors, partners, and community groups. He a co-creator of the University of Toyota at the company HQ. He led the work to adapt the Toyota Production System to non-production environments (warehousing, supply chain, HQ administration depts., sales, product distribution, dealer operations, etc. In addition, he led the Center for Lean Thinking. Ken has a Masters's in Industrial Psychology and Organizational Development with his Toyota experience, Ken has developed specialties in Lean consulting in non-production environments, curriculum development and delivery, leadership, and management development coaching, Toyota problem-solving method training, and public speaking. He's the author of Lean Leadership on a Napkin: An Executive's Guide to Lean Transformation in Three Proven Steps. In today's episode, we discuss the application of Lean in healthcare and Ken's experience there… and more! Questions, Notes, and Highlights: Police work? LAPD Viewing work as a process…  Helping people see that in healthcare? How to go about that? Not using the term “value streams” Fixing defects vs. fixing the system? Defects in policing paperwork in the field Correcting the paperwork vs. why it occurred Process is broken — Band-Aids No time… why? How can we create time? Microexperiments vs. implementing? How to help people look at improvements as experiments? Psychological safety – removing the danger? “Never Events”? Zero Harm? JPL – process gremlins and being proactive… “Breaking the system on purpose” Adapting to healthcare… Tell us about your later transition into working in healthcare? Pulled or pushed? The importance of leading with humility? How to build that? The podcast is sponsored by Stiles Associates, now in its 30th year of business. They are the go-to Lean recruiting firm serving the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare industries. Learn more. This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Join Brian and his guest Bob Payne as they discuss the principles of lean thinking and how they apply to Agile methodologies. Overview In this episode of the “Agile Mentors” Podcast, Brian sits down with Bob Payne to discuss the intersection of Agile and lean thinking. As an experienced Agile coach and host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast,” Bob shares his insights and offers practical tips for implementing lean thinking in your own team. Listen in as they explore the fundamental principles of lean thinking in Agile methodologies. They discuss managing flow, not workers, and the importance of continuous improvement and experimentation to achieve sustainable, high-quality results in your organization and success in today's fast-paced business environment. Listen Now to Discover: [01:23] - Brian welcomes Bob Payne, the Senior Vice President of Training and Coaching at Lithespeed, as well as the host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast” and the Chairman of the Agile DC Conference. Bob is here to discuss lean systems and lean thinking. [03:57] - Bob explains how lean thinking is connected to Agile methods in knowledge work. [07:30] - Agile methods generate value through teamwork that ultimately ends up in the customer's hands, and lean thinking is the larger circle that encompasses these methods. [08:24] - Lean thinking involves discipline and continuous improvement, which are essential characteristics for any successful team. [10:30] - Lean thinking also considers the sustainability of the workforce—workers are seen as producing value, while management is there to create the system that makes them the most effective. [11:31] - Lean thinking provides inspiration for visual management systems (such as Kanban boards) to track work which is incredibly powerful (and were not invented by Agile methods). [11:47] - Lean didn't just appear out of thin air; it built off of multiple things. [12:17] - Lean principles are foundational, and empiricism is built into lean. [14:34] - Bob shares that visualizing work is crucial to managing it effectively and citing the example of Toyota's electronic boards. [15:52] - Managing the flow of work, not the workers. We aim for cross-functional, self-organizing teams in an Agile team to get the job done. [17:05] - Bob shares an analogy about the workflow in a coffee shop. [17:41] - Bob shares the lean thinking philosophy and discusses the use of on-demand planning and continuous improvement. [19:14] - Brian introduces the sponsor for the podcast, Mountain Goat Software, which offers various training options for Agile methodologies. You can find their training schedule here. [19:46] - The difference between fixing the system and fixing the people in terms of leadership— Brian highlights the importance of a holistic view of the organizational structure to support the work and the workers in lean thinking. [20:36] - Brian shares the importance of limiting work in process within Scrum. He shares his experiences with XP teams and emphasizes the need to identify blockages and fix the source, not (just) the symptom. [23:03] - Bob and Brian discuss how Agile methods often miss local optimization, focusing on fixing bottlenecks instead of making other parts of the process more efficient. [25:23] - Bob shares how the focus on DevOps and better tooling has enabled Agile teams to go faster while maintaining safety (and avoiding burnout). [26:30] - Bob shares a talk called "Project to Product: Practical Realities at Large Scale Enterprises,” Kevin Fisher gave at a DevOps conference about an end-to-end value stream analysis. [27:40] - Bob discusses the need for a shift towards prioritizing rapid building and getting products to market, as Jeff Patton and Marty Cagan advocate. [28:37] - Bottlenecks? What the Scrum Master should focus on. [29:27] -Understanding the theory and philosophy behind Agile rather than just focusing on the practices is important. Brian shares why he believes it's crucial to recognize that the system needs to be fixed, not the worker. [30:49] - Understanding the theory and philosophy behind Agile methodologies rather than just focusing on the practices for more successful teams is essential. [31:18] - Bob talks about how teams should experiment with different ways of doing things and shares the early Agilists were making stuff up and pulling together ideas that worked. He spends the first hour and a half of his classes talking about the history and mindset of Agile and lays out these principles with case studies. [35:24] - Check out Bob Payne’s work on his podcast, “Agile Toolkit Podcast,” and at Lithespeed. [36:08] - Join the Agile Mentors Community to continue the discussion. If you have topics for future episodes, email us by clicking here. And don’t forget to subscribe to the “Agile Mentors” Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. References and resources mentioned in the show: Lithespeed "Agile Toolkit Podcast” Agile DC Conference Project to Product: Practical Realities at Large Scale Enterprises Mountain Goat Software's Advanced Certified Product Owner course Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Bob Payne is an industry-leading Lean+Agile Transformation leader with over 20 years of experience. He is the SVP of Enterprise Transformation at Lithespeed, the host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast," and the Chair of the Agile DC Conference. With a wealth of practical experience, Bob has been a trusted advisor to executives, teams, and management at leading firms such as Walmart, National Geographic, and Samsung.

Join Brian and his guest Bob Payne as they discuss the principles of lean thinking and how they apply to Agile methodologies. Overview In this episode of the “Agile Mentors” Podcast, Brian sits down with Bob Payne to discuss the intersection of Agile and lean thinking. As an experienced Agile coach and host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast,” Bob shares his insights and offers practical tips for implementing lean thinking in your own team. Listen in as they explore the fundamental principles of lean thinking in Agile methodologies. They discuss managing flow, not workers, and the importance of continuous improvement and experimentation to achieve sustainable, high-quality results in your organization and success in today's fast-paced business environment. Listen Now to Discover: [01:23] - Brian welcomes Bob Payne, the Senior Vice President of Training and Coaching at Lithespeed, as well as the host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast” and the Chairman of the Agile DC Conference. Bob is here to discuss lean systems and lean thinking. [03:57] - Bob explains how lean thinking is connected to Agile methods in knowledge work. [07:30] - Agile methods generate value through teamwork that ultimately ends up in the customer's hands, and lean thinking is the larger circle that encompasses these methods. [08:24] - Lean thinking involves discipline and continuous improvement, which are essential characteristics for any successful team. [10:30] - Lean thinking also considers the sustainability of the workforce—workers are seen as producing value, while management is there to create the system that makes them the most effective. [11:31] - Lean thinking provides inspiration for visual management systems (such as Kanban boards) to track work which is incredibly powerful (and were not invented by Agile methods). [11:47] - Lean didn't just appear out of thin air; it built off of multiple things. [12:17] - Lean principles are foundational, and empiricism is built into lean. [14:34] - Bob shares that visualizing work is crucial to managing it effectively and citing the example of Toyota's electronic boards. [15:52] - Managing the flow of work, not the workers. We aim for cross-functional, self-organizing teams in an Agile team to get the job done. [17:05] - Bob shares an analogy about the workflow in a coffee shop. [17:41] - Bob shares the lean thinking philosophy and discusses the use of on-demand planning and continuous improvement. [19:14] - Brian introduces the sponsor for the podcast, Mountain Goat Software, which offers various training options for Agile methodologies. You can find their training schedule here. [19:46] - The difference between fixing the system and fixing the people in terms of leadership— Brian highlights the importance of a holistic view of the organizational structure to support the work and the workers in lean thinking. [20:36] - Brian shares the importance of limiting work in process within Scrum. He shares his experiences with XP teams and emphasizes the need to identify blockages and fix the source, not (just) the symptom. [23:03] - Bob and Brian discuss how Agile methods often miss local optimization, focusing on fixing bottlenecks instead of making other parts of the process more efficient. [25:23] - Bob shares how the focus on DevOps and better tooling has enabled Agile teams to go faster while maintaining safety (and avoiding burnout). [26:30] - Bob shares a talk called "Project to Product: Practical Realities at Large Scale Enterprises,” Kevin Fisher gave at a DevOps conference about an end-to-end value stream analysis. [27:40] - Bob discusses the need for a shift towards prioritizing rapid building and getting products to market, as Jeff Patton and Marty Cagan advocate. [28:37] - Bottlenecks? What the Scrum Master should focus on. [29:27] -Understanding the theory and philosophy behind Agile rather than just focusing on the practices is important. Brian shares why he believes it's crucial to recognize that the system needs to be fixed, not the worker. [30:49] - Understanding the theory and philosophy behind Agile methodologies rather than just focusing on the practices for more successful teams is essential. [31:18] - Bob talks about how teams should experiment with different ways of doing things and shares the early Agilists were making stuff up and pulling together ideas that worked. He spends the first hour and a half of his classes talking about the history and mindset of Agile and lays out these principles with case studies. [35:24] - Check out Bob Payne’s work on his podcast, “Agile Toolkit Podcast,” and at Lithespeed. [36:08] - Join the Agile Mentors Community to continue the discussion. If you have topics for future episodes, email us by clicking here. And don’t forget to subscribe to the “Agile Mentors” Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. References and resources mentioned in the show: Lithespeed "Agile Toolkit Podcast” Agile DC Conference Project to Product: Practical Realities at Large Scale Enterprises Mountain Goat Software's Advanced Certified Product Owner course Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Bob Payne is an industry-leading Lean+Agile Transformation leader with over 20 years of experience. He is the SVP of Enterprise Transformation at Lithespeed, the host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast," and the Chair of the Agile DC Conference. With a wealth of practical experience, Bob has been a trusted advisor to executives, teams, and management at leading firms such as Walmart, National Geographic, and Samsung.

I joined Brian Milner from MountainGoat Software and we chatted on the Agile Mentor Podcast. Enjoy this cross posted podcast from Brian.  I always enjoy speaking with him. Join Brian and his guest Bob Payne as they discuss the principles of lean thinking and how they apply to Agile methodologies.   In this episode of the “Agile Mentors” Podcast, Brian sits down with Bob Payne to discuss the intersection of Agile and lean thinking. As an experienced Agile coach and host of the “Agile Toolkit Podcast,” Bob shares his insights and offers practical tips for implementing lean thinking in your own team. Listen in as they explore the fundamental principles of lean thinking in Agile methodologies.  They discuss managing flow, not workers, and the importance of continuous improvement and experimentation to achieve sustainable, high-quality results in your organization and success in today's fast-paced business environment.

there are two primary reasons to delegate; to build capacity and to build competence. In this cast we dig deep into the building capacity reason. The challenge for many managers is that they believe that there is already too much to do and they think that by delegating they will overburden their direct reports. This is false. What we need to consider is that by stopping non value added activities you free your employees up to do the important work. This is a critical component in the delegation process.

Is there any greater priority in today's business environment than attracting and retaining talented and dedicated employees? In today's episode, Tracy O'Rourke explains the critical impact of meaningful leader routines on the engagement of a company's workforce.  What You'll Learn from this Episode:  The role of leader routines in improving cultureSteps for implementing and enhancing Leader Standard WorkIdeas for effectively managing time while adding new leader routinesLearn more and find full show notes:https://processplusresults.com/podcast/110

Gemma started her career studying Mechanical Engineering. She quickly discovered the world of Continuous Improvement and spent 20 years working to improve processes and systems within various manufacturing industries including Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Dairy, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Food, and Medical Devices. She has been a CI Manager numerous times and an Operations Manager running a factory of over 500 people.Gemma is hugely passionate about Manufacturing and strongly believes in Lean Thinking. She gets such a kick out of coaching and facilitating, especially when she sees the lightbulb switch on in someone's head – when they solve a problem; when they realise they have the power to change; or when they get excited about all the improvements they could make.In 2018, Gemma left the world of employment to establish her own business, SPARK Improvement, aiming to switch on as many lightbulbs as possible. Her mission is to help organisations be the best they can be, through a combination of Lean Thinking, Toyota Kata, Visual Facilitation, and Experiential Learning.Gemma is based in Cheshire in the UK. www.sparkimprovement.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-jones-spark/Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. When we work with teams that are under pressure of a tight deadline, it's not so easy to find the right level of transparency with the clients and stakeholders. On one side we should protect the team, on the other side, the team needs to be open with the stakeholders to be able to find a solution when it seems the projects are going over the schedule and budget! In this episode, we explore some of the lessons Bert learned about finding the right level of transparency between the team and the clients and stakeholders. In this episode, we refer to XP Explained by Kent Beck, and the concept of Single Piece Flow, a key part of Lean Thinking.   About Bert Heymans Bert is a long time Lean Management aficionado and project management tool specialist, along the way he fell in love with business analysis and teaching business analysis techniques. In 2016 he founded Lean Coffee Ghent and has been at it since. You can link with Bert Heymans on LinkedIn and connect with Bert Heymans on Twitter. 

Video, transcript, and more: https://leanblog.org/461  My guest for Episode #461 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Gauthier Duval, the Director of the Lean Center of Excellence at Veryable. He's applied and taught Lean for over 18 years, including time with Freudenberg-NOK (an auto supplier featured in the book Lean Thinking), Simpler Consulting, and other manufacturing companies in the U.S. and Europe. Today, we discuss topics and questions including: Your Lean origin story? The next steps in your career and learning?? Freudenberg-NOK — 2004 — Growtth Consulting spinoff Working with Lean – Europe vs. US? Simpler – worked with Chris Cooper – Episode #129 Your view on the role of what's often called “kaizens” (kaizen events) vs. ongoing daily kaizen improvement? Multi-day events vs. small discontinuous improvements? How should people be participating? The role of the senior leader? Kicking a company president out of a Kaizen Event?? Lessons you've learned on the psychology of change? Organizational behavior and organizational development? — how do you define that?  What makes an organization a “learning organization?” Chris Argyris — why should more Lean people be reading his work? Tell us about Veryable – the company, the problems you solve and how it works… How to expand “JIT” beyond just materials? Variable labor in a “lean mindset” way — including “respect for people”?? The podcast is sponsored by Stiles Associates, now in their 30th year of business. They are the go-to Lean recruiting firm serving the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare industries. Learn more. This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.   

On today's podcast, Molly welcomes NCG Business Coach Jim Bradley, for an introduction to the concept of Lean Thinking and its application to operational strategy and workflow in the trades and services industries, With an extensive background in operational management, Jim's expertise and passion for this topic are evident. He shares how to think through a Lean lens, and how to extend this perspective to teams for greater impact. Today's introduction to the Lean concept is an overview with great insight into the correlation of this manufacturing philosophy to the trades. The Lean toolbox has numerous tools - many of which we'll explore in future episodes. Listen in to begin seeing your operations through a Lean lens ...and boost flow in your value stream!