Strive for perfection…especially during a recession. Now that’s a novel idea! When the world economy is in the pits, most people think about hunkering down, laying off their expensive (and often most talented) workers, cutting costs to the bone (including customer service and innovation)—and just trying to survive. Then, wait for the next recovery, when…
Take a deep breath, take another one, now answer the following question about your business. Do you WANT to be successful, or do you have a precise plan to BE successful? Are you working on the right things in the right way? Most people want to work out and be healthy, many go to the…
How do you identify people who will make good six sigma green belt or black belt training candidates? This is a great question and one that has been discussed time and again. As a president of a consulting firm that educates and certifies many talented young men and women and a fellow practicing certified black…
I was asked years ago by an operational management executive, “Where do you see the most important leadership position for successful Lean Six Sigma transformation?” I answered, “The Frontline.” Frontline leaders are those in positions at gemba that lead, coach, and manage the manufacturing or service process. Some of these leaders are Hospital nursing staff…
After spending years facilitating and using lean and six sigma to improve businesses I have come to the conclusion that these well known methods have more in common than you would think. Lean works to improve any process by identifying and eliminating waste, while six sigma works to improve any process by identifying and eliminating/reducing…
I have spent my entire career working with management teams to instill a culture of relentless continual improvement. During this time I have also fought the established ‘fire fighting’ culture that continues to be the accepted and at times promoted norm. Considered a best practice foundation, solid problem solving is paramount for operating excellence. This…
The OPx Report 