Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Most people calculate the average when summarizing data, but what about the median? The median is not as sensitive to outliers and skewed data, and can be a better indicator of the typical or most common outcome in your data. Links Wikipedia: Median BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

Do you see problems recur later after all the attention has gone away? That could be the Hawthorne Effect at work, which can create confusion on whether your improvements are actually working. Links Wikipedia: Hawthorne Effect BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

When I facilitate mapping events, after completing the current state map and before we create the future state map, I like to first walk the team through an ideal state discussion. I categorized these concepts and share the list with you in this podcast. Links Why I like using the Ideal State Mapping approach BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

Ground rules are an important element of running a successful process improvement event (called Kaizen Blitz or Kaikaku events). In this podcast, I share a compiled list of rules that you can use as a starting point for your next improvement workshop. Links List of Typical Lean Kaizen Event Ground Rules BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

During some recent travel, my wife and I ended up watching multiple episodes of "Bar Rescue."  I've watched the show for many years, so I re-watched it with a new lens, now that I'm consulting on my own.  As I thought about my approach to consulting, how would I help these bars and restaurants make dramatic improvements? Listen for my comparison of how I would prefer to help these bars versus the approach used by host Jon Taffer. Links JonTaffer.com Bar Rescue Show BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

I discuss the Lean approach to writing a book, which is how I published my first 2.5 books. LeanPub.com allows you to write and publish your book for free and release similar to software, instead of one large batch like in traditional book publishing.  Links LeanPub.com Lean Six Sigma for Good: How improvement experts can help people in need, and help improve the environment Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1) Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2) BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

I discuss the internal Lean Six Sigma certification program I helped develop and implement at Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace), and why I think it's a good model for other organizations to consider if you want to offer certifications. Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

If you've struggled to decide what improvement project to work on at work or for a certification project, check out this list of project or event ideas that you could consider for your industry. I have examples from the following categories: Personal Life, Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Sales, Shipping/Receiving and Warehouse, Information Technology (IT), Product/Service Design, Call Center, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Sports, Grocery/Supermarket, Nonprofits, Environment, Corporate Responsibility, Diversity/Equity and Inclusion, and Education. This is a longer podcast than usual, so I apologize but hope you found it useful! Links Lean and Six Sigma Project Ideas Check out our FREE “Lean at Home” online course for ways to improve your personal life! BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

I try to simplify some confusion about the 7 types of waste (or are there 14 types?), the 3 M's, and explain simpler ways to think about opportunities in a process. Links Article: From 7 Wastes to 3 – The Yamada Method Acronyms for remembering the wastes BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

I finished writing an article about two sustainability certification programs that require continuous improvement, but don't give guidance on how to do that. I explain why I think Lean is the best method to adopt for these mission-driven organizations. I also share examples below in the links about why I think Toyota is a leader in community engagement and environmental causes, not just financial performance. Links Article: Continuous Improvement key to B Corps, Fair Trade and other mission-driven organizations BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Toyota Toyota Kentucky facility reflects parent company’s commitment to the environment Toyota and the Earth Charter Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) - Donates time to nonprofits and government agencies