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The Edges of Lean explores topics in continuous improvement (lean thinking, creative problem solving, six sigma) that get overlooked. Meet the people practicing lean in odd places or with different twists, always with a focus on respect for people and continuous learning.
Episodes
Thursday May 11, 2023
Ep 93 Continuously Improving Your Voice with John Henny
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Do you like your voice? Does your voice help you to get your message across? How do you take care of your voice? John Henny is a voice coach who works with speakers to help them use their voices to be more compelling and influential, and he is here at The Edges of Lean to give us methods and tips for being better users and caretakers of our great voices.
John Henny
John Henny is a highly experienced voice coach who has helped thousands of people improve their communication skills. He is a featured lecturer at various prestigious institutions and conferences and coaches professionals in corporate businesses, the military, sports announcing, and voice-over artists. He employs creative methods to alleviate stress and enhance the quality of his clients' vocals. He is a skilled writer, host of a podcast, and designer of internet-based courses, with a substantial fan base.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:00 - Using your voice to be more compelling and Influential
07:42 - The resonance of the power of voice
09:10 - How essential your vocal tract is
10:26 - How to make sure your voice is heard.
16:25 - The importance of variety and pace in speaking
20:39 - The magic of best performance is the combination of familiar and unfamiliar.
23:26 - Importance of being structured and memorable.
27:42 - Emotional connection is the key to being unstoppable.
30:50 - The importance of non-verbal communication.
36:52 - The importance of Breathing
40:55 - Take care, be aware, and connect with your voice
KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THIS PODCAST:
- To be more compelling and influential, you need to use your voice effectively. The power of voice is in its resonance.
- Your vocal tract is essential for creating different sounds, tones, and pitches, and understand how it works to use it effectively.
- To be heard, you need to project your voice, use pauses, and speak with clarity.
- Variety and pace in speaking are crucial for keeping your audience engaged. Monotony can make you sound uninteresting.
- The magic of the best performance lies in the combination of familiar and unfamiliar elements
- Emotional connection is the key to being unstoppable
- Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. Use eye contact, gestures, and body language to enhance your message.
- Breathing is essential for good vocal production. Ude breathing exercises to improve your breathing technique.
Memorable Quote from John Henny
“Connect with your voice, have an awareness of your voice, and take care of your voice. Taking care of your voice is going to help not only your professional but also your personal life. It is our number one means of emotional connection with other people.”
Connect with John Henny
Website: https://johnhenny.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-henny-8ab9142b
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBolFwy8OpeiJf23eOQMGbw
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wp 92 Continuous Improvement and Getting Published with Karl Beckstrand
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Are you thinking of writing a book? Did you write a book? Are you wondering about getting your book out in the world? College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand is the best-selling author/illustrator of twenty-seven multicultural/multilingual books. He is here at the Edges of Lean to help us take advantage of his lessons learned with writing and publishing.
Karl Beckstrand
Karl Beckstrand is a college media professor and the founder of Premio Publishing, which has over 200 multicultural offerings. He values cultural diversity and collaborates with illustrators from Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Beckstrand has lived in Chile, worked as a Spanish-English interpreter, and visited various countries. He is passionate about using the arts to promote literacy and help people realize their worth and potential, regardless of their background.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:00:00 - Karl Beckstrand: best-selling author and illustrator of 27 multicultural multilingual books
0:03:05 - Exploring the pros and cons of traditional publishing vs. self-publishing
0:04:57 - The benefits of long-term book marketing
0:14:58 - S,elf-publishing and the financial side of the process
0:17:15 - Marketing strategies for self-publishing a book
0:22:44 - Writing and marketing a book
0:24:58 - Writing a book and marketing strategies
0:26:41 - Learning from failure and continuous improvement
0:29:31 - Writing for young people: approaches and beta readers
0:31:52 - Self-publishing and book bannings
0:37:02 - Book selection and curation in libraries
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Self-publishing is quicker and allows the author more control over marketing, content, and finances, while working with a big publishing house requires finding an agent and can take more time.
- Self-publishing has become more accessible, leading to a surge of books to publish, but the quality is improving due to the experience gained by writers.
- Technology can impact the book industry, making it easier to find high-quality writing.
- Ideas can come in the form of complete stories or just snippets, and it is crucial to write them down before they slip away.
- The importance of being a prolific writer, constantly jotting down ideas, and having a bank of inspiration to draw from.
- While working with a publisher, authors may not receive the marketing support they expect, and authors need to take charge of marketing their books.
- Carl stresses the importance of perseverance in the publishing industry and encourages authors to keep pushing their work, no matter how long ago it was published.
- It is essential to consider the target audience when writing for children, including their age range and interests.
- Editing services provide different perspectives, which is valuable for improving the quality of a book.
Memorable Quote from Karl Beckstrand
“We live in a wonderful age where you could just go online and look up something you don't know.”
Connect with Karl Beckstrand
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlbeckstrand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlbeckstrand/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarlBeckstrand.AuthorSpeaker/
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Ep 91 Continuous Improvement and Scalability with Brad Eisenberg
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Brad Eisenberg of BE Lean is a scalability consultant with over 15 years of experience as a Founder, COO, and consultant. He works with growing businesses that are at the point where everything that used to be fun and easy has become messy and complex. Brad is here at the Edges of Lean to help us understand what scalability is and the relationship between scalability, lean, and seeing things as they really are.
Brad Eisenberg
Brad led greeNEWit as its COO and is also the founder of BE Lean. Brad was also the founder of weBIKE, a bike share company that gave him his first taste of entrepreneurship. At BE Lean, he focuses on helping clients see what is happening in their businesses, focusing on the critical components of traction, profit, throughput, and innovation; components required for scaling up (or down). Brad’s insights ensure businesses have the tools and resources to scale up or down as demand requires. If you are running a growing business, you know how frustrating it can be when the things that used to be fun and straightforward become messy and complex. That is where Brad comes in - he is an expert in helping businesses scale effectively and efficiently.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:00:00 - Understanding scalability, lean, and visibility in growing businesses
0:06:19 - Understanding the four components of scalability
0:16:24 - Maximizing return on investment for business growth
0:18:10 - Optimizing business growth strategies
0:24:44 - Understanding the benefits of experimentation in business decisions
0:26:57 - A framework for making good decisions on risky ideas
0:32:46 - Risk vs. Return in pharmaceutical product development
0:34:34 - Identifying critical questions and making cold-hearted decisions for business success
0:38:25 - Challenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic
0:40:42 - Improving efficiency through infrastructure building and hiring strategies
0:42:30 - Scaling a business and knowledge management
0:44:35 - Taking risks and starting in business
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Scalability is not just about growing or shrinking a business but about having the capacity to adjust to meet demand.
- The four critical scalability components are traction, profit, throughput, and innovation.
- Traction is the ability to move forward, throughput is the ability to generate revenue, and innovation is the ability to adapt and stay ahead. (You know what profit is!)
- Scalability should be considered an ongoing change process, not a one-time goal.
- Measuring and validating ideas is crucial for success, as a business model is just a hypothesis until proven.
- Having an external perspective can help identify and address any blind spots.
- Control, replicability, and consistency are essential elements to achieve scalability.
- Scalability consultants come from various backgrounds, including engineering, math, and science, and help businesses run more smoothly and efficiently.
Memorable Quotes From Brad Eisenberg
“You need a person that will be championing the idea to really kind of push the business forward, and you need that champion to push the envelope.”
CONNECT WITH BRAD EISENBERG
Website: https://www.beleanbusiness.com/about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-eisenberg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.eisenberg.5/
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Ep 90 Continuous Improvement and the Most Important Goal with Jim Gitney
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Jim Gitney has been coaching and consulting for decades and, over the years, has seen many strategies fail because of poor execution. He knew there had to be a better way to bridge strategy and results. He developed the Business Hierarchy of Needs to clearly show how to make the decisions that lead to excellent execution of strategy. Let’s hear Jim’s approach from him and discuss how it relates to lean and continuous improvement approaches.
Jim Gitney
Jim Gitney is an experienced strategy, operations, and supply chain expert with over 45 years of experience working for startups to Fortune 50 companies. He is the author of "Strategy Realized – The Business Hierarchy of Needs - Turning Strategy Into Results" and the Founder and CEO of Group50 Consulting. Jim has extensive experience running large global operations and working with boards, business owners, and executives on developing and implementing transformative strategic initiatives. He has worked with various industries, including consumer and industrial products, government, aerospace, professional services, healthcare, big data, and high-tech. Jim has been instrumental in developing and implementing dozens of global business strategies, 11 operational and financial restructurings, and adapting blockchain to the supply chain.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:00:00 - Bridging strategy and results to achieve continuous improvement
0:05:17 - The benefits of empowering employees
0:10:53 - Leveraging people for enlightened leadership
0:16:22 - Setting goals to achieve business growth and resonating with younger generations
0:18:31 - Leadership, sustainability, and diversity in the workplace
0:26:33 - Business hierarchy of needs and engaging stakeholders in strategic planning
0:33:20 - Utilizing the five why and five how exercises to refine strategic goals
0:35:42 - The benefits of implementing lean strategies in business
0:41:16 - Strategy realize the business hierarchy of needs
0:44:05 - Tools to improve speed to market in research and development
0:49:58 - Achieving your most important goals in business
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Leaders need to change their thinking to understand the value of their employees.
- Bridging strategy and results are critical for achieving continuous business improvement.
- Empowering employees has numerous benefits for organizations, including increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
- Enlightened leadership requires leveraging the potential of people within an organization.
- Setting goals is essential in achieving business growth and resonating with younger generations.
- Leadership, sustainability, and diversity are essential in building a successful workplace.
- The Five Why and Five How exercises can help refine strategic goals and improve decision-making.
- Implementing lean strategies can help streamline processes and improve business efficiency.
- Using proper tools and procedures can enhance the pace of bringing research and development to the market.
- Achieving the highest goals in business requires a focused approach and consistent effort.
Memorable Quote from Jim Gitney
“Business leaders who are enlightened and who understand that they can leverage the skill sets inside their organization can help not only the business needs but also the personal needs of the people in their workforce.”
CONNECT WITH Jim Gitney
Website: https://www.group50.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgitney/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/group50consulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimgitney?s=20
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.gitney/
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Ep 89 Continuous Improvement with Games! with Alexandra Suchman
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
If you are a continuous improvement professional, you probably use some games in the training you deliver – maybe as an ice-breaker or perhaps as a simulation to teach a tool. But have you ever wondered how far you can take game-playing to build a team or create a culture? Alex is a woman on a mission to transform workplaces from the inside out. She has been playing around with games that create fun and meaningful learning experiences for years. Are you ready to hear some juicy insights on gaming in the workplace? Don't miss her unique and engaging take on this joyful topic.
Alexandra Suchman
As the CEO and co-founder of Barometer XP, Alex is well-versed in organizational development and improving business operations. She has a unique approach to consulting - she uses games to create engaging learning experiences for her clients. Her expertise stems from her early career in public policy and health, where she noticed many companies struggling with processes. Alex began to focus on creating simple systems and better planning. Today, she continues to help her clients become more strategic and organized in their work, through the use of games.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:00:01 – Exploring continuous improvement with games: an interview with Alexandra Suchman
0:02:37 – Exploring the use of games and simulations to enhance interpersonal skills in the workplace
0:04:33 – Conversation on game development with business partner
0:06:51 – Reflecting on the benefits of Games in the workplace
0:18:00 – Improving communication through pre-planning and games
0:19:36 – Conversation on the benefits of practicing habits and playing games to navigate uncertainty
0:26:33 – Exploring different thought processes in the workplace
0:28:15 – Conversation on team dynamics and diversity in the workplace
0:30:06 – Exploring the benefits of team-building games for group dynamics
0:35:04 – Conversation on developing experiential learning games and simulations for organizational change
0:39:12 – Exploring curiosity and changing paths
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Leadership skills are developed and demonstrated in well-designed games.
- Diversity and inclusion are the most significant factors in a team's success that CEOs should consider.
- There are huge differences between people who are detailed based and those that see the big picture. And most of the time, both are needed.
- The opportunities to practice that come with game playing give leaders proven skills
- Learning and practicing different ways to respond to others' styles helps us get the most out of conversations.
- Game-playing strengthens communication and empathy skills
- It is not just about playing the game but building upon the learnings people will acquire while playing.
- Reflection on games will significantly improve communication and collaboration among group members.
Memorable Quotes From Alexandra Suchman
“Being able to learn in the situational moments and apply the lessons from it is one of the best ways to mitigate the problems that happen over and over."
CONNECT WITH Alexandra Suchman
Email: alex@barometerxp.com
Website: https://www.barometerxp.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasuchman
Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexbxpteams
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Ep 88 Continuous Improvement and Intelligent Automation with Lauren Hisey
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
The bots are here, and lean and continuous improvement practitioners see that organizations are eager to take advantage of the capabilities of artificial intelligence – or my guest Lauren Hisey calls it, intelligent automation. Lauren is here to demystify AI and share how continuous improvers can make peace with it – and use it effectively in improvement work. And, we are going to hear about her 100 Lunches project. Lauren embraces and overcomes the challenges that other people prefer to avoid. She has an immense passion for continuous improvement and loves to show others how to use it effectively in their businesses and organizations.
Lauren Hisey
Lauren Hisey is a dynamic person with a wealth of experience as an employee and business owner. She is passionate about innovation and creativity and has worked across various fields, such as TA/HR, Sales, Operations, Product Leadership, and Technology. Lauren is a natural problem solver who approaches each day with vigor and enthusiasm, leveraging her extensive knowledge of Lean Six Sigma to help companies achieve sustainable growth. She has spent over a decade working with companies of all sizes as a coach, consultant, trainer, and speaker, honing her skills and imparting her expertise to businesses, universities, podcasts, and networking groups.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
- 0:00:02 – Exploring intelligent automation and continuous improvement with Lauren Hisey
- 0:02:42 – Conversation on automation and lean six sigma with Lauren
- 0:05:09 – Exploring automation and technology: a conversation with a systems engineer
- 0:06:46 – Heading: exploring automation and artificial intelligence in business
- 0:09:43 – AI and automation in the lean transformation
- 0:15:06 – Conversation on knowledge management and virtual assistance tools
- 0:17:31 – Improving customer experience through automation and data analysis
- 0:20:04 – Improving customer experience through intelligent automation and AI
- 0:22:05 – The intelligent automation and lean transformations
- 0:24:19 – Empowering citizen developers and creating a center of excellence for automation and quality
- 0:30:12 – Conversation on process discovery and business process management
- 0:37:32 – Networking: taking risks and learning from others
- 0:40:58 – Advice for young professionals on networking and learning
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Do not be afraid to go out there and meet someone new.
- When you are networking, it is not about you. It is always about how you can help the other person.
- The biggest thing is getting to know people and maybe understanding how you can help them instead of looking to be helped.
- When it comes to IT in operations and sales, we always try to start small. But at the end of the day, the biggest thing is having where you create partnerships.
- When we talk about IT and automation, most people are concerned. However, the earlier you adopt it, the better success along the way.
- Technology and continuous improvement go together because development of AI is continuously improving.
- Despite much advancement in AI and automation, it is “still a kid” and in the learning process.
- Technology is a tool more than a solution, and we must use the tools in the right way.
Memorable Quotes From
“Network and be open for learning and if you have a chance to find a mentor, don't miss it. Because, they have gone through most of the trouble and will answer your questions when needed.”
CONNECT WITH
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenhisey
Website: https://laurenhiseyconsulting.com/
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Ep 87 Continuously Improving Your Knowledge Management with Dr. Cindy Young
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Every time we use our lean practices to define and solve a problem, we create knowledge. How can we improve our organizational recognition and management of all that newly created knowledge – which is key to not having the same problem occur again? It turns out that knowledge management itself requires a process and continuous improvement and Dr. Cindy Young is here to share her insights.
Cindy is the Founder/CEO of CJ Young Consulting, LLC, a knowledge management consulting firm, and Curriculum Development and Training Lead with Leidos in Virginia Beach after retiring as a Surface Warfare Officer with 23 years in the U.S. Navy. She holds professional certifications as a PMP, LSSMBB, and CMQ/OE. Cindy has written for Harvard Business Review and is a Management columnist for ISE Magazine. In September 2020, she gave a TEDx Talk called “A Knowledge Mindset: What You Know Comes from Where You Sit." In February 2023, her book, The Knowledge Management Memory Jogger®, was published by Goal/QPC.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:40 – Definition of knowledge management
00:04:44 – Importance of documentation of process improvement
00:06:38 – Managing tacit knowledge in the workplace and strategies for sharing it
00:12:51 – Tips for managing a remote working team and prioritizing knowledge management
00:19:00 – Machine vs. human-centric management
00:22:20 – The Knowledge Management Memory Jogger
00:27: 20 – Knowledge management and organizational culture
00:29:28 – Power and mode of sharing knowledge
00 32: 10 – Knowledge findability and professional knowledge management
00:36: 20 - Knowledge management as a core competency and placement of knowledge manager
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Knowledge management is the process of understanding, sharing, and managing information an organization.
- Documentation of process improvement helps ensure transparency, efficiency, and knowledge sharing.
- Tacit knowledge can be acquired from other people's lives and past experiences, and can used by finding a mentor in a related field or process.
- Establish a rhythm for your team that includes time for management and action. In return, it will enable each team member to contribute their knowledge and experience to the group.
- Knowledge management memory jogger encourages organizations to foster communication between departments and break down silos. It allows personnel to understand their roles and how they can work together.
- Leaders should create a culture of knowledge sharing, where collaboration is highly promoted, and respected, allowing colleagues to learn from mistakes and empower each other.
- Knowledge findability: knowledge managers must be skilled in research, communication, collaboration, and understanding organizational structures and systems.
Memorable Quotes From Dr. Cindy J Young
“Professionally managing knowledge requires special skills to organize information, break down silos, and make knowledge accessible, but one also needs to know how to communicate with people who may be withholding information.”
CONNECT WITH DR. CINDY J YOUNG
Website: https://www.cjyoungconsulting.com/
Email: Cindy@cjyoungconsulting.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcindyyoung/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drcynthiajyoung?lang=en
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Ep 86 Continuous Improvement and Compassionate Coaching with Erin Whalen
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Erin Whalen is a coach whose practice is focused on serving the people who work with the grieving and dying: bereavement professionals who need perhaps more than anyone to be seen, heard, and supported. Erin comes to coaching through the path of acting and the art of improvisation. She utilizes the tools she's learned through her artistic experience to help “fill the cups” of her clients and provide them with the communication skills they need to succeed. Erin's passion for coaching shines through her work, and her innovative approach to communication skills training makes her a leader in the field.
Erin Whalen
Erin Whalen, the founder of Compassionate Coaching, has guided teams of bereavement and end-of-life professionals toward being seen heard, and supported. Erin's dedication to effective communication and team building led her to present at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations Virtual Conference twice and host events such as Playback Theater to unite a community of like-minded individuals.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:02:49 Supporting bereavement professionals through team building and communication skills training
0:05:02 Building a community through creativity
0:06:43 Exploring how acting helped Erin become a better coach
0:10:17 Communication skills for bereavement professionals
0:15:11 Role-playing and compassionate coaching for professional growth
0:22:06 Challenges and rewards of Playback Theater
0:23:39 Art of storytelling through music, movement, and drama
0:25:33 Transforming lives through storytelling
0:28:56 Discovering the surprising benefits of creative expression in the workplace
0:30:37 Artful leadership: exploring the role of art in healthcare leadership and resilience.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Providing support and communication training can help individuals in challenging professions to stay motivated and committed to their work.
- Effective communication involves nonverbal cues and personal histories. Bereavement professionals must show empathy and genuine compassion to support those experiencing loss.
- Practice and feedback are essential in improving communication skills. Role-playing can create a safe environment for people to practice difficult conversations and receive constructive feedback.
- Actors must connect emotionally with their characters, even without shared experiences. The highest compliment is a genuine performance. Being present and aware of scene partners is key
- Playback Theatre uses music, movement, and drama to play back essential moments of a person's story, reflecting their emotional state. The process is improvisational and honors the storyteller.
- Trust, honesty, and creativity are essential for good leadership. Supporting caregivers ensures they feel valued and heard, leading to purposeful work
Memorable Quotes From Erin Whalen
“It's all about the stories we hold. We can give and receive empathy through storytelling and reflection and creating a transformative experience.”
CONNECT WITH Erin Whalen
Website: https://www.compassionatecoaching.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-whalen-compassionate-coaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecoachingllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_compassionatecoaching/
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Ep 85 Continuous Improvement and Coaching Leaders with Kyle Gillette
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Kyle Gillette is a leadership coach. He coaches business leaders – but not all his clients wear a white collar and work in offices. Kyle works with leaders and aspiring leaders from all walks of life with a special focus on what we sometimes call “blue-collar” work. Kyle’s career path has taken him from men's mentoring to pet resorts, to HR, and running a successful personal training business. In every role, helping people reach their human potential through the power of mindset has always been his path. Kyle’s insights are valuable to all of us in the continuous improvement community.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST
0:09:23: The impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth
0:12:34: Understanding the difference between mentoring and coaching
0:14:23: How coaching and mentoring are applied in the business world
0:20:16: Moving from surviving to thriving through mindset shifts and personal growth
0:27:19: The four pillars of leadership: self-awareness, accountability, growth, and empowerment
0:31:56 Exploring the importance of accountability and mindset in coaching
0:34:51 Understanding the language and mindsets used in coaching
0:36:06: The benefits of journaling for stress relief
0:39:04: Connecting lean coaching and mentoring to empower young men
0:41:20: Using nonprofit work to connect business owners and young men
0:43:15: Learning the skill of active listening to empower your team
0:45:12: Developing self-awareness, mindset, and habits for effective leadership
Key Takeaways
- Power of making choices that lead to personal growth and positive change: it's crucial to make changes and take intentional action to improve one's life circumstances, even when facing fear and uncertainty.
- Taking risks and seizing opportunities to learn and grow is important. Mentorship and caring for others can have a significant impact. Intentional learning and investing in oneself are valuable. Success is not achieved alone, and support from others is crucial.
- Coaching draws insights through questioning, while mentoring tells what to do. Coaching is more effective in moving people forward permanently.
- Find lessons in setbacks. Take risks; improve skills and knowledge, and step out of your comfort zone.
- The four pillars of great leadership are Self-awareness, accountability, growth, and empowerment.
- Mindset plays a crucial role in achieving goals. Fear of losing control and being uncomfortable can prevent people from taking action.
- Listening is crucial for leaders to empower their teams. The "wiser way to listen" method involves giving time, respect, and empathy to truly hear people. It can be done in 2-12 minutes and improved by reading, practicing, and learning from mistakes
Connect With Kyle Gillette
Website: https://blueshirtcoaching.com/
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Ep 84 Continuous Improvement and the Artist Inside with Elisabeth Swan
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Elisabeth Swan just wrote a book – which is not surprising because she’s done it before, but this one is different. This time Elisabeth wrote and illustrated the book – in fact the illustrations are what communicate the great ideas she is sharing. And Elisabeth, consultant, teacher, writer, is adding “artist” to her resume.
In addition, she has an English degree and is a consultant in the operational excellence world. She believes that her background in English translates to being a translator and a storyteller. This has influenced the work she does in helping people understand and enjoy difficult topics, such as statistics. She also has a drive to find a better way, which she realized from problem solving as a child. This has led her to Lean Six Sigma as a way to teach and help others.
Let’s hear more and how that happened.
Elizabeth Swan
Elisabeth, a Six Sigma leader and President of Swan Consultancy and Associates, with a passion for problem-solving. She is also a co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café, a co-author of The Problem-Solver's Toolkit, and an avid traveler, consultant, coach, and educator. She is empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive success through improved soft skills. Let her guide you to new heights of collaboration, creativity, and effective communication in the workplace.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:03: 45 – Transformative power of language
0:07:00 – The art of problem-solving
0:09:57 – The art of learning from other’s perspectives
0:12:58 – Importance of avoiding outer noises
0: 15:51 – Impact of emotions in illustration and real-world
0:17: 35 - The profound role of effective storytelling
0:22: 05 - The importance of effective communication in corporate
0:25:13 – Benefit of leveraging soft skills
0:28:43 – Role of six sigma skills in team management and leadership
0:31: 30 – The Importance and benefits of six sigma learning
0:35:55 – The impact of community engagement
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Confidence in problem solving allows individuals to face challenges with a positive mindset, embrace ambiguity and uncertainty, and explore creative and effective solutions.
- To be your authentic self, it is important to avoid the outer voices and distractions and focus on your own values, beliefs, and priorities.
- Understanding emotions can improve communication, productivity, decision-making, and helps leading to a more positive life.
- Storytelling is a powerful tool that can connect people with their emotions by your story and give an easy deeper and more meaningful understanding of themselves and others
- In order to be a good leader and team manager you should have effective communication, as it helps in clarity, transparency, collaboration, and trust among team members.
- Soft skills help individuals understand the complexities of the corporate world by improving communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal relationships.
- Cultural engagement can give mutual understanding, appreciation, and respect between diverse individuals and communities, promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society
Memorable Quotes From Elisabeth Swan
‘It’s intangible skills that make people want to work with you.’
Find Elisabeth:
JITCafe.com
elisabeth@JITCafe.com
Co-author, The Problem-Solver’s ToolKit: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Your Lean Six Sigma Journey