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

This week's guest is John Abplanalp. Ron and John discussed all things productivity, including OEE, engaging employees, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  John's favorite quote (4:11) His background (5:37) How they approach OEE (13:51) Reducing the national debt through exporting (20:43) Engaging employees (23:31) Finding the obstacles and bottlenecks (25:55) John's take on AI (28:06) Practical tips for leaders (30:08) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 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 increase your own productivity?

This week's guest is Brandon Brown. Ron and Brandon discussed TWI, and why reducing both personal and professional chaos is so important. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Brandon likes (3:18) His background (4:16) Brandon's thoughts on chaos (6:08) A story about "Bob" the supervisor (8:33) Reducing personal chaos (10:53) The role of personality (15:39) The most difficult part of the work (18:46) What Brandon does to get the facts (25:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 109 | How to Leverage Toyota Kata with Brandon Brown GA 189 | How to Use Kata in Healthcare with Brandon Brown GA 188 | How to Understand the Components of Kata with Brandon Brown GA 212 | How to Combine TWI, Kata, and a Kaizen Event with Brandon Brown GA 494 | TWI and the Training Timetable with Brandon Brown Continuous Coaching Commitment Continuous Coaching Commitment on LinkedIn Brandon on Lin

This week we're celebrating our 500th episode by sharing some of our team's favorite moments from over the years. Whether you're new to the podcast or you've been here since the beginning, thank you for listening. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The impact of running into a former student with David Tuttle (2:56) Billy Taylor on the importance of diversity (5:42) A story of survival with Matt May (10:26) Richard Sheridan on forgiveness (23:28) Peter Docker's take on making mistakes (31:11) Recovering from broken trust with Bhavana Bartholf (36:23) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 411 | Practicing Lean in High School with David Tuttle GA 347 | Leveraging Deliberate Practice with Billy Taylor GA 100 | How to Survive with Matt May GA 213 | How to Lead with Joy with Richard Sheridan GA 402 | Leading From the Jumpseat with Peter Docker GA 430 | The Importance of Empathetic Leadership

This week's guest is Jeff Reinke. Ron and Jeff discussed OT Cybersecurity, its role in manufacturing, dealing with hackers and ransomware, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Jeff likes (3:42) His background (4:27) What OT Cybersecurity is (7:01) What's driving the emphasis (7:47) Dealing with ransomware (9:25) The human elements involved (10:39) About whaling/spearfishing (14:19) Strategies and tactics to consider (15:28) The trends Jeff is seeing in manufacturing (19:06) Why "quiet quitting" is less of an issue (20:49) Some of the best practices (22:20) How continuous improvement teams can help (25:06) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jeff on LinkedIn Manufacturing.Net 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 else do cybersecurity and c

This week's guest is Chad Bareither. Ron and Chad discussed Chad's book, "Improve LESS," Toyota Kata, why continuous improvement is not just "extra work," and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Chad likes (2:08) His background (2:59) About entropy and why progress comes undone (4:59) The root cause (7:11) An example of a client who found success by "improving less" (9:29) The Effort vs. Impact matrix (12:08) Why Chad loves Toyota Kata (16:10) Getting away from the idea that continuous improvement is not "extra work" (17:30) An example from one of Ron's prior jobs (19:29) Understanding your "Why?" (24:05) About Chad's book, Improve Less (25:49) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Improve LESS Book Chad on LinkedIn Bareither Group Consulting on YouTube Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts,

This week's guest is James Newell. Ron and James discussed generational diversity and how it affects workplace dynamics. James explained how we can navigate these differences, ensure that the knowledge transfer happens, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  James' background (3:01) The quote James likes (5:13) Navigating differences in how people are wired (6:36) Dealing with generational diversity (10:23) Where the tension between generations comes from (13:58) Ensuring that the knowledge transfer happens (18:21) Agreeing to be open and willing to listen (23:31) How the way we learn hasn't changed (25:38) About his German-speaking podcast (29:37) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 James on LinkedIn Together4Success GA 224 | How to Apply Lean in Different Countries with James Newell GA 322 | Tailoring the Kata Model with James Newell GA 404 | Leading in a VUCA Environment with

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