KaiNexus: Continuous Improvement, Leadership, and More

Read the blog post Written by Maggie Millard, read by Mark Graban Businesses use a host of methodologies to bring structure to the process of identifying and acting upon opportunities for improvement. You may be familiar with Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean, Toyota Production System, and others. Although these methodologies differ, the foundation of each of them is the continuous improvement model. The continuous improvement model reflects the idea that organizations should constantly implement incremental improvements to services, products, and processes. The approach applies to every industry and size of business. Several central principles guide the continuous improvement model. 

View video, slides, and more Operations science describes the fundamental relationships that drive operations performance. However, the concepts are not widely understood or applied properly. Join us for this webinar with Ed Pound, Managing Director of the Operations Science Institute to: Learn a fundamental, expensive problem that plagues nearly all organizations yet is widely unknown Participate in an exercise to see if this problem affects your organization Learn some basic concepts of operations science and how the field can be used to accelerate your organization’s success right now, with your existing people and technology. No capex needed. Ed Pound is the Managing Director of the Operations Science Institute, lead author of the book "Factory Physics for Managers," and co-author of the upcoming book "Applied Operations Science." Ed has over 35 years of experience managing, coaching, and training in operations across many different industries and countries and in businesses large and small.

From this video, Jeff Roussel (chief revenue officer) and Greg Jacobson (co-founder and CEO) discuss the culture at KaiNexus. Learn more about jobs at KaiNexus In this enlightening episode of the KaiNexus Continuous Improvement Podcast, join Jeff Roussel and Greg Jacobson for a deep dive into the unique corporate ethos of Kinexis. Discover how this dynamic company has etched out its colossal success through the shared formulation and embodiment of collective core values. Rather than a top-down approach, KaiNexus methodically identified fundamental behaviors through employee interactions that came to define their organization. Their culture vividly narrates a story of shared beliefs where every policy adopted and decision made is a tribute to their core values. Let’s explore how they've shaped their environment, where principles aren't simply stated words, but an integral part of the everyday actions. Take a journey revealing how the cornerstone of teamwork contributes significantly to KaiNexus's triumphs. Understanding that individual efforts culminate in extraordinary feats when synchronized into a collective endeavor is their core mantra. Discover how Kinexis has cultivated a workplace where collaboration and collective success are at the heart of every initiative. A discussion featuring their outlook on kindness as a strength, focusing on customer needs, and the embedding of trust will help listeners understand how the company's values contribute to a nurturing and respectful business ethos, while also delivering superior service to its clientele.

Learn more and register here February 6 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET Presented by Ed Pound, joined by Mark Graban from KaiNexus for a preview discussion in this episode. Operations science describes the fundamental relationships that drive operations performance. However, the concepts are not widely understood or applied properly. Join us for this webinar with Ed Pound, Managing Director of the Operations Science Institute to: Learn a fundamental, expensive problem that plagues nearly all organizations yet is widely unknown Participate in an exercise to see if this problem affects your organization Learn some basic concepts of operations science and how the field can be used to accelerate your organization’s success right now, with your existing people and technology. No capex needed Ed Pound is the Managing Director of the Operations Science Institute, lead author of the book "Factory Physics for Managers," and co-author of the upcoming book "Applied Operations Science." Ed has over 35 years of experience managing, coaching, and training in operations across many different industries and countries and in businesses large and small.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9A0Zlf_048&ab_channel=KaiNexus As presented by John Grout on 1/17/24. Hosted by Mark Graban of KaiNexus. This webinar is a 60-minute primer into mistake-proofing (a.k.a. poka-yoke). Information about the basics of mistake-proofing, why people make mistakes, and how to start the process of reducing mistakes will be presented in a fast-moving and entertaining format.Objectives: Build awareness of mistake-proofing Introduce a concise presentation format: “pecha kucha," with 20 slides x 0:20 seconds each = 6:40 minutes (we’ll do two of these with discussion in between). What is mistake-proofing? Include lots of examples Why do people err? How can design eliminate errors? Next steps in implementation John Grout is the David C. Garrett Jr. Professor, former dean, and award-winning teacher in the Campbell School of Business at Berry College. Dr. Grout has researched lean supply chain management and mistake-proofing (a.k.a. Poka-Yoke) extensively and published numerous articles on the topic. John was awarded the Shingo Prize for his paper, “The Human Side of Mistake-Proofing” with Douglas Stewart. John has also consulted with a large variety of firms to mistake-proof their processes.

One of the most critical concepts in Lean organizations is the idea that it is essential to eliminate waste. Why is it so central to the practice of Lean? The principles of Lean say that the ultimate goal is to provide perfect customer value. Anything that provides value to the customer is preserved. Everything else is considered waste. Some waste is inevitable due to physical constraints, regulations, or safety considerations. Still, most organizations find that they are engaged in many unnecessary activities and use more resources than is strictly required.If you are striving to become a Lean organization, waste elimination is probably near the top of your list. Lean practitioners have identified particular types of waste, known collectively as the 8 Wastes of Lean. Certain types of waste are easy to spot and fix, while others are more difficult to detect.  Read the blog post, get an infographic and free ebook

Register for the webinar here In this video, host Mark Graban from KaiNexus talks with John Grout about his upcoming webinar to be held on January 17th. This webinar is a 60-minute primer into mistake-proofing (a.k.a. poka-yoke). Information about the basics of mistake-proofing, why people make mistakes, and how to start the process of reducing mistakes will be presented in a fast-moving and entertaining format. Objectives: Build awareness of mistake-proofing Introduce a concise presentation format: “pecha kucha," with 20 slides x 0:20 seconds each = 6:40 minutes (we’ll do two of these with discussion in between). What is mistake-proofing? Include lots of examples Why do people err? How can design eliminate errors? Next steps in implementation About the Presenter: John Grout John Grout is the David C. Garrett Jr. Professor, former dean, and award-winning teacher in the Campbell School of Business at Berry College. Dr. Grout has researched lean supply chain management and mistake-proofing (a.k.a. Poka-Yoke) extensively and published numerous articles on the topic. John was awarded the Shingo Prize for his paper, “The Human Side of Mistake-Proofing” with Douglas Stewart. John has also consulted with a large variety of firms to mistake-proof their processes.

Gemba walks are an increasingly popular management technique. By visiting the place where work is done, leaders gain valuable insight into the flow of value through the organization and often uncover opportunities for improvement and learn new ways to support employees. The approach is a collaborative one, with employees providing details about what is done and why. Great results depend on thoughtful planning, execution, and follow-up. Here are the most important steps you can take to ensure that your next Gemba walk is successful. Written by Kade Jansson and read by Mark Graban Read the blog post

A high-reliability organization (HRO) is an organization that has succeeded in avoiding catastrophes despite a high level of risk and complexity. Specific examples that have been studied, most famously by researchers Karl Weick and Kathleen Sutcliffe, include nuclear power plants, air traffic control systems, and naval aircraft carriers. Recently healthcare organizations have moved to adopt the HRO mindset as well. In each case, even a minor error could have catastrophic consequences. Yet, adverse outcomes in these organizations are rare. How is that possible? Written by Greg Jacobson, read by Mark Graban Read the blog post

Watch Mark Graban's keynote entitled "When Being Right is the Wrong Strategy for Change" from the 2018 KaiNexus User Conference to learn how you can become a better leader of continuous improvement. Slides and More: https://www.markgraban.com/kainexus2018/ Join Mark Graban, an acclaimed author and consultant, in his enlightening keynote address at the 2018 KaiNexus User Conference. In this presentation, titled "When Being Right is the Wrong Strategy for Change," Mark delves into the intricate dynamics of leadership and change management. Drawing from his vast experience and insights, he explores the often-overlooked psychological aspects of leading continuous improvement in any organization. Mark challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that being factually correct is not always the most effective way to inspire change. Instead, he introduces a more nuanced approach that balances knowledge with empathy and understanding. Through a series of engaging slides, Mark illustrates the transition from a directive style of leadership (akin to a 'cop') to a more collaborative and counseling approach. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the 'why' behind actions and the power of asking others why they would want to engage in change, thereby fostering a more inclusive and motivational environment. This presentation is particularly valuable for leaders looking to drive sustainable change. It provides actionable insights into the psychology of change, motivational interviewing techniques, and the importance of resisting the 'righting reflex' — the natural tendency to correct others. Mark showcases how to create an atmosphere that encourages open dialogue, self-motivation, and a shared vision for change. By the end of this keynote, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of: - The difference between enforcing compliance and fostering genuine change. - Strategies to move from being a 'cop' to a 'coach' to a 'counselor' in leadership roles. - The concept of Motivational Interviewing and its application in leadership and change management. - Techniques to engage in more effective conversations about change and resistance. - Understanding and navigating one's own ambivalence and that of others in the context of change. Discover more about Mark Graban and his work by visiting [MarkGraban.com](https://www.markgraban.com/) and [LeanBlog.org](https://www.leanblog.org/). For additional resources related to this presentation, please visit [MarkGraban.com/KaiNexus2018](https://www.markgraban.com/KaiNexus20.... Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and approach to change management. Watch now and start your journey towards more impactful and empathetic leadership!