In today's fast-paced environment, we're constantly putting out fires. But how often do we stop to understand why those fires started in the first place? Enter the 5 Whys technique, a deceptively simple yet powerful approach that can transform how we solve problems across every industry and aspect of our lives.
The 5 Whys is a straightforward root cause analysis method: when a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking "why" five times (sometim…
📜 Your greatest skill isn't found in bullet points on your resume, the diplomas, certificates, and courses you complete, the honors and awards you receive, or your current title and position.
🏆 Rather, it's revealed in how you show up every single day - your attitude and unwavering commitment and willingness to make things (processes and tasks) easier rather than harder for yourself AND those around you.
Technical skills are important, but they're just the foundation.
The real pr…
While many organizations focus on implementing Lean tools and metrics, they often miss the fundamental foundation: RESPECT for people.
True Lean isn't about cost-cutting or mechanization—it's about engaging everyone's creativity to create more customer (internal and external) value.
When we build on genuine respect:
❤️ Empowerment flourishes as teams take ownership of improvement
❤️ Collaboration becomes natural when all input is valued
❤️ Continuous improvement accelerates…
Have you ever noticed a small issue at work—perhaps a misplaced item, an incomplete task, or a process that could be improved—and simply walked past it? We've all done it. In that moment, we've unconsciously set a new standard, one that accepts mediocrity over excellence.
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept."
This profound statement encapsulates a fundamental truth about human behavior and organizational culture. It reminds us that our actions—or …
Have you ever reached the end of a busy day feeling exhausted yet struggling to identify what you accomplished? You're not alone.
Research shows that approximately 90% of our activities—both at work and home—could be classified as Non-Value-Added (WASTE). This revelation from Lean Thinking principles might sound shocking, but it also presents an incredible opportunity for improvement.
In its simplest form, a VA activity creates direct value
As a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practitioner, I've recently found myself in numerous conversations where people quickly assert, "Oh yeah, LSS - that's what DOGE is using." This comment is invariably followed by either passionate praise or vehement criticism of the actions.
This raises an intriguing question: Is DOGE genuinely implementing Lean Six Sigma to achieve their government efficiency goals?
On the surface, it seems like a natural fit. DOGE's mission of eliminating government waste an…
In 2002, during a press briefing about the Iraq War, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made a statement that would unexpectedly revolutionize how we think about decision-making. He spoke about "known knowns," "known unknowns," and "unknown unknowns" – a framework that would later become known as the Rumsfeld Matrix. While its origins lie in national security, this elegant framework has proven invaluable for business leaders, project managers, and individuals seeking to make better de…
Have you ever wondered how successful organizations and individuals consistently improve and adapt? Two powerful frameworks, the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and its evolution, the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act), have been driving continuous improvement for decades. While they might seem similar at first glance, their subtle differences can significantly impact how we approach problem-solving and improvement, both in professional and personal contexts.
Let's dive into these methodologies and discov…
Jack Welch's tenure at GE was nothing short of revolutionary. He …
Have you ever found yourself frantically searching for instructions while in the middle of a task? Or perhaps you've watched customers struggle to find basic information that should be readily available. A powerful Lean thinking concept addresses this common frustration: making information accessible exactly where and when it's needed.
As Ryan Tierney from Lean Made Simple perfectly puts it, "Wherever you ask the question, that's where the answer shoul…
In the world of continuous improvement, few concepts are as transformative as one-piece flow – a lean principle that can reshape how you think about work and productivity. But what exactly is one-piece flow, and why should you care?
One-piece flow (also known as single-piece flow or continuous flow) refers to a single unit being worked on and moved to the next stage as soon as it's completed, rather than waiting for a batch to be finished before moving on…
As professionals, we always look for ways to work smarter, not harder. One of the core principles of Lean is the identification and elimination of waste - and trust me, it can make a HUGE difference in your productivity and efficiency.
In Lean, "waste" refers to ANY activity or process that does NOT ADD VALUE for the customer. For a more detailed explanation of the customer, see my article on The Voice of the Customer.
1. Over-Production - Making more…
Imagine for a moment that you're holding a powerful key—a key that can unlock deeper connections, drive meaningful improvements, and transform your professional and personal interactions. This key is the Voice of the Customer (VOC). This concept goes far beyond traditional business metrics and touches the very core of human interaction.
When most people hear "customer," they immediately think of someone making a purchase, a consumer buying a pro…
Make a change in 2025, and break the cycle of discouragement of endless debates and fruitless meetings. Have you ever searched for concepts to eliminate these types of counteractive discussions to help promote parallel thinking and encourage looking at issues from different angles?
Well, let's look at Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats methodology, which transforms the typical problem-solving and decision-making approach. Whether in team settings or individual reflection, this powerful …
Have you ever wondered if what you think is happening in your organization matches what's occurring on the front lines? Too often, leaders rely on reports, metrics, and second-hand information to make decisions from their chairs, behind desks, and in conference rooms. However, there's a better way, a powerful concept that can transform your understanding and awareness, while engaging your workforce: Introducing The Gemba Walk.
What is a Gemba Walk?
"Gemba" is a Japanese term meaning "t…
As we embrace 2025, I've reflected on some of my articles about Lean and its transformative potential. Previously, I unpacked many misconceptions about Lean, debunking ideas such that it’s just a management fad or a toolbox, that it's reserved for specific industries, that it can only be implemented by large organizations with immense resources, or that it is about cost-cutting or downsizing as a way to boost profits or earnings.
Instead, Lean is fundamentally a mindset for creating va…
Have you ever considered how the principles of Lean could entirely change your approach to challenges and enhance continuous improvement—not just in your workplace, but in your everyday life as well?
As noted in a previous article, Lean is frequently reduced to a simple toolkit for eliminating waste, for manufacturing, or as a way to cut back on staffing and resources to inflate budgets. Replace any preconceived notation and stop referring to it as Lean Manufacturing or Lean Management,…
When speaking to others about Lean, I often encounter MANY misconceptions. I want to take this opportunity to help set the record straight and dispel some of the most common myths I often hear. First and foremost, Lean is not an acronym (L.E.A.N.) and should not be spelled with all capital letters (LEAN). Lean is also not a management concept or a set of tools and is often incorrectly termed as Lean Manufacturing and Lean Management.
Have you ever heard of Lean Six Sigma and wondered what it's all about? Have you heard that this is only applied in a business setting, and by people with advanced training and knowledge?
Well, let’s take a moment and skim the surface of the fascinating world of Lean Six Sigma together—no acrobatics required, no rocket science involved, and this can be applied easily in your business and personal life!
Think of Lean Six Sigma as a dynamic duo: Lean metho…
Taking time to celebrate our achievements and milestones along our professional journeys is nice and rewarding, but we should remember that excellence is not a destination—it's an ongoing pursuit!
🔍 Improvement doesn't wait for problems to emerge
🌱 Growth happens when we deliberately seek better ways forward
🚀 Innovation comes from questioning even our current "best practices"
💡 Leadership means t…