Lean Six Sigma Bursts

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

I had a call this week helping out with a Black Belt project, and I was reminded about the Standardize-Do-Check-Act model that should be implemented first, before trying to make improvements to a process using the PDCA model (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Kaizen - The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai Photo from Masaaki Imai's "Kaizen" book about SDCA and PDCA

I received two questions from Mark Graban about my first episode. He is a well-known Lean consultant with expertise in the healthcare industry, and has authored multiple books, including Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen and Measures of Success. He is also the host of multiple podcasts, including Lean Blog and My Favorite Mistake. Learn more about him at MarkGraban.com Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Episode 1: Why are Six Sigma Black Belts paid so much? MarkGraban.com

During Lean and Six Sigma classes, I meet a lot of people who are good problem solvers already, and they mention that the topics are similar to how they approach problems. Here are some of my observations about my interactions with them, and what takeaways I gathered. Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com

I share exciting news that we have digital access to Norman Bodek's past PRODUCTIVITY newsletters from 1980-1993. He lived in Vancouver, Washington (near Portland), but was moving to Japan permanently, and we have scanned in the documents for you to search, download and review. Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com PRODUCTIVITY newsletters and interviews with Norman Bodek

I discuss the simple visual management templates called SQDC (also called QDIP). These visuals help simplify the daily management for a process area, to quickly bring attention to areas that need help. A video of the discussion is available on the product page in the link below Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Watch a video or download the SQDC templates