Wicked Problems

Wicked Problems

There are all manner of problems (being an optimist, I rather use the term “challenge”) that we face each and every day. Most of these challenges are simple enough: what’s for dinner this eve; is there traffic on the highway that is going to impede my progress; do I have any clean underwear, and so…

Operational Excellence Maturity Model

Operational Excellence Maturity Model

I have met countless Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence professionals over the course of my career.  And, in turn, I have become acquainted with their roles and efforts in regards to driving value to their organizations.  Oftentimes, these professionals, although possessing great passion for, and pride in, the value they drive to their companies, express…

The Myth of Japanese Companies and Management

It seems that at every Conference, Symposium, or other gathering of higher-learning and thought-leaders – where the topic is Lean Six-Sigma – many of the attendees, and almost all of the speakers, glorify and hold with the highest veneration the supposedly unmatched performance and prowess of Japanese companies and their management. Enshrined as proof-positive in…

Process Improvement For Small to Midsize Companies: Don’t Wait, Act Now!

Small to Midsize companies must consider a process improvement initiative sooner rather than later to uncover hidden opportunities for improved productivity and customer satisfaction. Why You Need Process Improvement and Enhanced Customer Experience Time and again, I have seen many processes across a variety of industries with an error rate in the range of 20-30%….