Lean Thoughts

Walk into almost any operations meeting today and you’ll hear it: “We should use AI for this.”“Can we plug in an LLM?”“Let’s add a copilot.” “This might be a stupid question… what is an LLM?”

Each Technology Island or Report-Out area has their own unique attributes, challenges and opportunities. The reality is that each Report-Out area is a Center of Gravity.

It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully refocus on a task after a typical interruption,

How do we instill lean into our culture and make it part of our company DNA, engaging the whole workforce

You know the "D" word I am talking about. The aspirational word uttered by about every leader I work with. That super-attractive, theoretical, ever-elusive, I-know-I-need-to-do-it-but-can-never-figure-out-how word. That word that will unlock the key to success or, at a minimum, sanity:

Looking at you, and your productivity style will be able to slot you into a specific Productivity category. None are either good or bad it just is you.

Disruptive Technology had to be distinctively different to make an impact.

Alarm Bells were sounded, highlighting a critical concern that Standardized Work was eliminating Innovation within the workplace.

This post is not to question making changes but rather how. First, you when you decide to machine a part you would not start until someone had provided you with a drawing so you know what you will be creating. Similar if you decide to build a house I am certain you will start with some key requirements like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms ... the requirements will then be incorporated into a blueprint so the builder will understand what you want and the blueprint quanti

Going to See with a purpose. In lean management, we call this "going to gemba"—the actual place where value is created. Not to inspect, but to understand, support, and coach.

The infection rate of Emotional Stress dramatically increases when your processes are unpredictable..

Creator of your strategic Plan you are not only a forecaster. you are also a Futurist.

Chatbots such as ChatGPT can provide direct answers to your questions. But, compared to a regular Google search, the amount of knowledge gained is less.

whether a product or service should be dual sourced. Before we explore the merits of both let us first place the provider in the proper context.

I LOVE my Suppliers, I mean really LOVE them, so much so I am constantly wanting to hire them .

Never forget: Your employees are a top asset, but if you botch your relationships with them, you could create a work environment with low morale and little productivity.

Leverage your Value Stream Mapping exercises to become more environmentally friendly.

Duties or Tariffs were first initiated to create a level playing field for external competitors coming onto your home turf.

Some people are placed into Leadership positions but that does not make them a Leader until they have amassed a group of loyal followers.

Why Does Mission Matter?