Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Manufacturing | Lean Office | Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership

This week's guest is Kyle Brady. Ron and Kyle discussed suggestion boxes, how to handle suggestions that aren't accepted, and how to get started with your own suggestion program. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Kyle's quote (4:01) His background (5:13) About Kyle's continuous improvement program (6:27) How employees submit ideas (10:46) Communication and feedback (13:42) Their future state (15:49) Examples (18:33) The hardest part of this initiative (20:11) How Kyle handles disappointment when an idea isn't chosen (20:38) Kyle's advice for where to start (23:19) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gemba Academy: Simple Kaizen Part 1 Video Gemba Academy: Simple Kaizen Part 2 Video Kyle on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you have a suggestion b

This week's guest is Kerry L. Bass. Ron and Kerry discussed company culture, employee engagement, finding and retaining the right talent, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Kerry likes (2:13) His background (2:42) About employee engagement (4:07) About the employee-employer relationship (5:50) An example (8:01) Introverts vs. extroverts (11:23) The role of company culture (13:23) Building a balanced and diverse team (15:15) Finding and retaining the right talent (16:01) Technological solutions in elections (23:02) Practical advice for hiring managers and job applicants (23:27) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Kerry on LinkedIn Kerry's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you/would you go about finding and retaining the right

This week's guest is Brandon Brown. Ron and Brandon discussed TWI, training timetables, and what it means to live a life you're proud of. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Brandon likes (3:37) His background (4:38) What TWI is (7:17) All about the training timetable (9:51) The resulting decrease in turnover, and increase in supervisor stability (19:48) What the "dash" on our tombstones represents (25:23) How much even the words "How are you?" mean (29:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 109 | How to Leverage Toyota Kata with Brandon Brown GA 188 | How to Understand the Components of Kata with Brandon Brown GA 189 | How to Use Kata in Healthcare with Brandon Brown GA 212 | How to Combine TWI, Kata, and a Kaizen Event with Brandon Brown Brandon's Website Brandon on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on ne

This week's guest is John Knotts. Ron and John explored the multifaceted concept of fear. John also explained why fear exists, and how scientific thinking and continuous improvement can help us all deal with it. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote John likes (3:28) John's background (4:47) An example of "professional fear" (8:49) Why John chose to study fear (10:40) An example of why fear exists (14:53) The relationship between worry and fear (19:38) How John faced his fears of swimming and public speaking (22:45) Ron's fear of snakes (27:43) The benefits of being prepared (32:17) How scientific thinking can help deal with fear (41:23) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 John on LinkedIn Crossing the Zone of Fear Becoming Unbelievably Successful One Dead Marine: A Savage Soul Scorched Earth John's Forbes Coach Articles Business 2020 Lessons in Life Long Learning Overc

This week's guest is Mark Graban. Ron and Mark discussed process behavior charts, the importance of good metrics, the Red Bead Experiment, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The (often misquoted) quote Mark likes (2:22) Mark's background (8:02) What a process behavior chart is (15:40) Where "Better Metrics for Better Management" comes from (10:25) Mark's thoughts on what kind of metrics are preferable (23:56) An example (25:11) What the Red Bead Experiment is and why it matters (28:25) Whether Mark has experienced any pushback (33:47) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Mark's Website The Mistakes that Make Us Mark on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you view metrics? Are some better or more reliable than others?

This week's guest is Kerrie Jordan. Ron and Kerrie discussed upskilling, what it means to have a "flexible work schedule," improving morale, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote they like (2:58) Her background (4:54) An example (7:25) What the Voice of Manufacturing Worker Report is about (9:11) How we can improve morale (11:30) What "flexible work schedule" means in manufacturing (15:18) What the future of work looks like (18:03) The importance of upskilling (23:57) Kerrie's final words of wisdom (32:24) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Kerrie on LinkedIn Report Downloads Epicor Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you/would you approach upskilling?

  This week's guests are David Henkin and Thomas Bertels. David and Thomas talked about co-authoring their new book, "Fixing Work," how attitudes around work and the workplace have changed, the role of mastery, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote they like (2:58) Their backgrounds (4:01) How it works when two people write a book (6:35) What's "broken" about work (9:50) How the perception of work has changed over the generations (12:23) Their thoughts on working remotely vs. in an office (16:41) The potential benefits and dangers of AI (19:04) Their advice for designing and improving work (23:51) The role of mastery (27:40) Their parting thoughts (31:38) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 David on LinkedIn Thomas on LinkedIn Purpose Works Consulting on LinkedIn Thomas on Twitter Purpose Works on Twitter David on Instagram David on Facebook Purpose Works Con

This week's guest is Gerald J. Leonard. Ron and Gerald covered a lot of interesting topics including Gerald's personal health journey, brain science, being a musician, and the power of affirmations. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Gerald's favorite quote (3:17) His background (4:06) How his bass playing helped his recovery (8:45) His relationship with lean (11:53) The brain science behind thinking subconsciously (16:08) How Gerald uses affirmations (22:02) "Drifting" AND having clear direction (27:29) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Free Resource for GA Podcast Listeners A Symphony of Choices Pre-Order Gerald's Website Gerald on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you use affirmations?

This week's guest is Summer Davies. Ron and Summer discussed the importance of trust, working remotely, addressing micromanaging, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Summer's favorite quote (2:24) Her background (3:16) What to do when someone is hard to work with (5:03) Why you have to start with trust (9:23) A personal anecdote about the space shuttle (10:53) Her connection between middle and frontline managers (12:35) Whether an expert accountant or an expert manager is better (15:24) Addressing micromanaging (19:42) Working from home versus the office (23:13) Her thoughts on AI (26:31) The role of personality types (28:04) Turning around the disengaged workforce (29:31) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 LeaderShop Summer on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up h

This week's guest is Elisabeth Swan. Ron and Elisabeth discussed her book, "Picture Yourself a Leader," the actions we take as leaders, building habits, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Elisabeth (2:24) Her background (4:45) About the drawings in her book (8:10) Why she wrote it (10:15) What it means to consider your actions (16:19) Speaking thoughtfully (21:42) Her final thoughts (39:20) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Picture Yourself a Leader on Amazon Elisabeth's Website Just-in-Time Cafe Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you consider yourself a leader? Why or why not?

This week's guest is Lou Carter. Ron and Lou discussed positive work relationships, how blame can become toxic, and overall how to create a well-loved workplace. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Lou likes (4:12) His background (11:05) What makes for a horrible work relationship (16:25) Blaming yourself (19:47) An example of when Ron took accountability (24:10) How to create a well-loved workplace (26:47) What kind of love we seek (32:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Lou on LinkedIn Lou's Website Most Loved Workplace Best Practice Institute Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Why else is blame dangerous?

This week's guest is Bruno Pesec. Ron and Bruno discussed journaling, practical tips for reflection, and the relationship between lean, change, and reflexivity. You won't want to skip this one! An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that Masaaki Imai shared with Bruno (2:57) His background (3:52) The relationship between lean, change, and reflexivity (5:03) How Bruno approaches journaling (14:12) The four territories of experience (19:50) Practical tips for reflection (22:39) How often he practices reflexivity (25:56) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Bruno on LinkedIn Bruno's Website Bruno on Twitter Bruno's Article on Reflexivity Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you journal? Describe your approach.

This week's guest is Boris Kajos. Ron and Boris discussed working as a team, staying on task, the role of communication, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Boris likes (3:30) His background (4:35) YIT's lean journey (9:14) Whether there was pushback or fear (12:33) What Last Planner System means (15:32) Whether the end customer is involved (22:26) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Boris on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you dealt with resistance to lean before? What did you do/say?

This week's guest is Dr. Jennifer Nash. Ron and Jennifer discussed human leadership, her book "Be Human, Lead Human," working from home, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Jennifer likes (1:53) What she means by Human Leadership (4:27) Productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic (8:41) Why some jobs need to be in-person (10:31) What she suggests for those leaders (11:34) Jennifer's background (16:18) How the big companies are doing from her perspective (18:52) Understanding your employees (24:04) What practical thing leaders can try (28:45) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Be Human, Lead Human Jennifer's Website Jennifer on LinkedIn Jennifer's LinkedIn Newsletter Jennifer's Blog Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you work from home? W

This week's guest is Brent Weichers. Ron and Brent discussed OpEx assessments and how Brent and his team deliver genuine value and insight through them. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Brent (2:54) Brent's background (4:06) What an OpEx assessment is (5:46) The systems they use (6:57) Working through resistance and negativity (15:41) Why companies struggle after winning awards (20:30) What problem they're trying to solve (21:15) The cadence they work at (23:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Brent on LinkedIn GA 272 | The Role of Lean in Empowering People with Disabilities with Brent Weichers GA 304 | The Different Approaches to Training Leaders with Brent Weichers GA 369 | Developing an Internship Program with Brent Weichers GA 438 | The Importance of Understanding People with Brent Weichers Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a

This week's guest is George Saiz. Ron and George discussed the true meaning behind Respect for People, and how to effectively motivate different people in different ways. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires George (3:20) About George (4:55) About his book, We Started with Respect (7:43) What "Respect for People" really means (12:40) How George motivates different people (17:39) What George learned about himself (20:58) Another inspirational quote George likes (29:48) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 George's Website George on LinkedIn GA 121 | Leading AME with George Saiz GA 274 | Retiring from a Lean Career with George Saiz Get All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think?What style of motivation works best for you? Why?

This week's guest is Mark Graban. Ron and Mark discussed making mistakes and the importance of psychological safety. Mark also shared a little about his podcast, "My Favorite Mistake," and his new book, "The Mistakes That Make Us." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Mark likes (2:45) About Mark (5:59) The "My Favorite Mistake" podcast (10:57) How we react to our own mistakes (16:48) The benefits versus risks of speaking up (23:55) Why and where psychological safety is lacking (25:12) Practical tips for individuals (33:55) One of Ron's biggest mistakes (39:25) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Mark's Website Mark on LinkedIn My Favorite Mistake Podcast The Mistakes That Make Us GA 007 | Using Lean Thinking to Transform the Healthcare Industry with Mark Graban GA 046 | Lean in Japan with Mark Graban GA 071 | Practicing Lean with Mark Graban GA 114 | How to Apply Lean to

This week's guest is Jacob Bonde Larsen. Ron and Jacob discussed RPA (Robotic Process Automation), the three components of RPA, how it relates to lean, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Jacob likes (3:03) His background (4:53) What RPA stands for (6:45) An example (8:11) Whether or not this affects jobs (10:05) Lean vs RPA (11:26) The three key components of RPA (13:43) RPA and ChatGPT (15:39) The competencies of RPA (17:26) Resources for experimenting with RPA (23:15) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jacob on LinkedIn Nordic RPA UiPath Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you heard of RPA? Share what you know or what your experience has been with it.

This week's guest is Gemba Academy's own John Knotts. Ron and John discussed John's books, stepping into your fear zone, knowing your purpose, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote John likes (3:24) His background (4:09) Navigating fear in a professional context (10:17) Some of the countermeasures (15:39) Dealing with a need for control and certainty (18:42) What we can learn from the Flywheel concept (23:50) How and why John became disciplined (29:55) Discovering and knowing your purpose (32:39) His parting thoughts (35:21) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 John on LinkedIn GA 392 | Using Lean on a Horse Farm with John Knotts GA 407 | Choosing an Approach to Lean and Six Sigma with John Knotts GA 439 | Collecting and Interpreting Data with John Knotts Crosscutter Enterprises John's Books on Amazon Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a gr

This week's guests are Sam Morgan and Andres Alamillo. Ron, Sam, and Andres discussed the importance of diversity in continuous improvement, using the kata framework as a lens. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Sam likes (3:12) The quote Andres likes (4:43) Sam's background (6:25) Andres' background (8:51) Why it's important to build community (9:50) How Sam and Andres see the current condition (19:24) How practitioners "carry the candle" (25:21) Sam and Andres' thoughts on the target condition (26:47) Practical steps people can take (32:29) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 461 | Scientific Thinking and Confidence with Sam Morgan Sam on LinkedIn Illuminate Coaching + Consulting Andres on LinkedIn Smith Gardens Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Thi