Yes, it really has been just over a year since my last post! The past few years have been a whirlwind of activity, including building new video studios and offices for Gemba Academy. This period culminated in being approached by a large German multinational training company and, after nearly a year of due diligence and […]

Simplifying Your Work Life: A Guide for Team Leads   In the hustle and bustle of managing a team, it’s easy for team leads to find themselves buried under piles of tasks, emails, and meetings. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right strategies and mindset, team leads can simplify their work […]

Navigating Entrepreneurship While Working a Corporate Job: Building Resilience for Success   Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship while still holding down a corporate job can be a challenging balancing act. The demands of your day job combined with the uncertainties and risks of starting a business can test even the most resilient individuals. However, […]

Lately, I have been thinking more about these words I write in the blog post “Lean Zombies:” When one looks at all the great management thinkers over the last 100 years — from Taylor, the Gilbreths, to Follett, Mayo, Deming, Ohno Drucker, Argyris, Kanter, Senge, Schein, etc. — they have all had senior leaders’ attention […]

Building Resilience: Strategies for Entrepreneurs with a 9-5 Job   For aspiring entrepreneurs who are juggling the demands of a 9-5 job while pursuing their dreams, the journey can be incredibly challenging. Balancing the responsibilities of a full-time job with the demands of building a business requires a high level of resilience. Resilience is the […]

Mark Graban recently hosted James P. Womack on his podcast titled: “Jim Womack’s Observations and Reflections on the Evolution of Lean.” Dr. Womack made a few interesting comments that are worthy of some analysis. Let’s begin here: So [it is] quite amazing to me that the book [The Machine That Changed the World, published in […]

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, enterprise transformation has emerged as a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to thrive in the face of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty. From technological advancements to shifting consumer expectations, organizations are constantly confronted with many challenges that necessitate fundamental changes in how they operate and deliver value. In this […]

Thanks, as always, to Ryan McCormack for this. He always shares so much good reading, listening, and viewing here! Subscribe to get these directly from Ryan via email. News, articles, books, podcasts, and videos about how to make the workplace better. Operational Excellence, Improvement, and Innovation Danaher: Masterful Capital Allocation and Lean Manufacturing Combined Danaher […]

As a manufacturer, your pursuit for efficiency and continuous improvement is likely never-ending. That’s why you might search for innovative methodologies that offer significant benefits. One such strategy that has been popular is the Japanese 5G Methodology. Rooted in principles that emphasize a thorough understanding of the workplace, this problem-solving technique offers a structured and […]

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on […]

Today, more than ever, businesses are navigating a landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and heightened competition. In this context, embracing digital transformation isn’t merely an option—it’s imperative for staying relevant and competitive. Digital transformation entails the strategic integration of digital technologies into all facets of a business, fundamentally altering how it […]

I’ve already written one blog post about this excellent Bloomberg BusinessWeek article about the Lean transformation at GE Aerospace, a post that focused on CEO Larry Culp saying that “a problem-solving culture is far more effective operationally than a finger-pointing culture.” AN EMPIRE DIVIDED The inside story of how GE CEO Larry Culp dismantled a […]

In the manufacturing industry, achieving operational excellence goes beyond just streamlining processes. It also involves creating a culture that resonates with every employee, from those on the production line to top-level executives. Recently, I had an engaging discussion about operational excellence during a morning walk. The discussion centred around a leading manufacturing firm undergoing system […]

Have you worked for or do you work for an organization that is growing exponentially. Our organizations are growing dramatically as it has become easier to expand operations globally either through acquisition or through addressing new markets. These fragmented segments and disconnected infrastructures can greatly impact radical transformation and business improvements. As the company grows […]

Professors Robert H. Hayes and William J. Abernathy have harsh words about a common, if not typical style of American management: “…an overdependence on analytical detachment – what they call ”managerial remote control.” They say it is an approach that exalts financial analysis, not line operations. It rewards executives who see their company primarily as […]

I am excited to bring you this great new feature! Introducing “Bob’s AI Book Chatbot.” As you know, I have written 28 books across a variety of subjects. Perhaps you, like many others, would like a way to obtain useful information but you do not have the time to read a book. The AI Book […]