The Edges of Lean

Ep 115 Learning from Mistakes with Mark Graban

 

I wish I was perfect! Wouldn’t it be great to simply not make any mistakes? In the practice of Lean, we try to mistake-proof our processes and build on our previous learnings to prevent mistakes. And yet, we know that we learn so much from mistakes, and Mark Graban has been exploring with different people how they have benefited from their mistakes. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insight on what he has learned from those conversations and his new book, "The Mistakes that Make Us."

 

Mark Graban    

 

Mark Graban is an internationally recognized consultant, author, speaker, and entrepreneur with expertise in Lean management, continuous improvement, and people-centered leadership. He has authored several books and hosts the My Favorite Mistake podcast. His work spans various industries, such as improving customer or patient experience, developing leaders and employees, and building more adaptive organizations. He emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, problem-solving, and employee engagement. 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:02:31 The mistakes that make us.

00:06:12 The mistakes and their consequences.

00:12:02 The systemic problems and workplace culture.

00:14:58 Healthcare culture and nurses.

00:21:38 Creating a culture of learning from mistakes.

00:24:17 Internal barriers and privilege.

00:29:08 Cultivating a culture of learning and innovation.

00:35:13 ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

00:37:18 The causes of anxiety and ADHD.

00:47:04 The mistakes and learning from them.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Learning from mistakes is an essential part of personal and professional growth.
• Mistake-proofing processes are the keys principle in Lean methodology, but mistakes still happen.
• Fear and futility are two main reasons employees choose not to speak up about mistakes in the workplace. 
• Leaders play a significant role in shaping the culture of an organization. 
• Mistake-proofing is particularly important in healthcare to protect patients from harm and prevent frontline workers from being blamed for systemic mistakes.
• Culture exists whether it is intentionally accepted or not. 
• Individuals may face different barriers to admitting mistakes, such as societal expectations, privilege, or past experiences.
• Lean practices can provide structure and support for individuals with ADHD or similar challenges, as they offer tools and methods for focusing attention and prioritizing tasks.

Memorable Quotes From  Mark Graban 

 

“When leaders are able to lead by example, modeling those behaviors, that opens the door for their employees to follow their lead. And then when that gets rewarded by leaders instead of being punished, now you start getting into more that virtuous cycle of strengthening building and sustaining that culture.” 

 

CONNECT WITH  Mark Graban 

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgraban/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/MarkGraban?s=20
Website: https://www.markgraban.com/ 

Buy his book at: https://a.co/d/dVguh9A 

Ep 114 Design for Six Sigma with Kris Stokes

When I say there are many different flavors and styles of continuous improvement, Design for Six Sigma is the type of style and flavor variation I am thinking of. Product development is hard to achieve. It is also expensive, as almost every company has a graveyard of product development failures. Kris Stokes teaches organizations and people the principles of Design for Six Sigma, and he says that product development success takes rethinking many of our assumptions about what we know, how we know it, and most importantly, identifying our hidden assumptions. He joined me at the Edges of  Lean to share his knowledge with us.

Kris Stokes  

 

Kris Stokes is a Principal Consultant at Geisys Ventures, specializing in product development and process optimization. With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from MIT, he brings extensive experience in the plastics industry. In addition to his professional role, Kris is passionate about education and teaches classes in Plastics Recycling and 3D printing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His commitment to sustainability and innovation has made him a respected figure in the field.

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:03:00 Kris Stokes' background and entry into Design for Six Sigma

00:04:52 Key insights from learning Design for Six Sigma

00:06:11 The power of designed experiments vs first principles

00:07:47 Interaction effects in designed experiments

00:09:49 Implementing DFSS and dealing with assumptions 

00:12:17 Documenting and sharing DFSS knowledge

00:13:56 DFSS scorecards for knowledge transfer

00:17:46 Learning from manufacturing operators

00:18:08 Understanding historical process performance

00:25:48 Design step and qualitative specifications

00:28:15 Designing tests for qualitative specifications 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

• DFSS focuses on identifying and designing out variability before products reach customers to reduce costs
• Designed experiments allow testing multiple variables at once to understand interactions and eliminate variables
• Understanding manufacturing processes, operators, and variability sources is critical for ease of production
• Documentation and sharing knowledge gained from experiments is challenging but important
• Scorecards are an effective way to document processes for knowledge transfer to manufacturing
• Doing the most critical experiments as early as possible is significant in Lean product development
• Ranking questions to answer the most important ones first can reduce late losses
• Forcing failures on the tiniest scale possible through testing helps speed development
• Staying curious and avoiding assumptions are the key, as unspoken things often cause problems

 

 

CONNECT WITH Kris Stokes 

 

Website: https://airacad.com/
Website: https://www.geisysventures.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-stokes

 

 

Ep 113 The Qualities of a Lean Leader with Kathy Hadizadeh

Here at the Edges of Lean, we've had a lot of conversations about leadership, with leaders who are practicing Lean and with leaders who are not Lean practitioners but are acknowledged as great leaders.  There have been so many incredible insights and tips to learn from.  However, I believe lean leadership differs from other types of leadership. Kathy Hadizadeh says that lean leaders need to bring their humanity to work with their teams, and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share her insights. 

 

 Kathy Hadizadeh   

 

Kathy Hadizadeh founded Heart Mind Tuning, a coaching agency focused on human capital performance in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of experience as an IT executive, she specializes in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and coaching accessibility. Kathy's methods amplify leaders' effectiveness and foster innovation in teams, drawing on her expertise in systems thinking and mind-body connection.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:01:31 - Kathy's Background and Path to Leadership Coaching

00:04:17 - The Human Aspect of Leadership

00:07:53 - Creating a Safe Space for Employees

00:10:18 - Leaders' Reactions to Employees' Issues

00:13:48 - Kathy's Personal Journey with Grief and Leadership

00:17:29 - The Process of Self-Reflection and Growth

00:21:56 - Therapy vs. Coaching in Leadership Development

00:26:28 - Common Themes in Leadership Challenges

00:30:23 - The Impact of Coaching on Executive Presence

00:36:22 - The Role of Performance Reviews in Leadership

00:38:02 - Adapting Leadership to Employees' Crises

00:41:45 - Managing Teams During Global Crises

00:45:54 - Navigating Political and Social Divisions as a Leader

00:52:30 - Advice for Young Leaders Starting Out

00:53:24 - Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Lean leaders need to bring their humanity to work with their teams.
• Lean leaders understand that employees are humans with personal lives and emotions.
• Boundaries between personal and work life should be respected, but there should also be a safe space for employees to share if it affects their work.
• Lean leaders should adopt a coaching mindset, listening, observing, and asking questions rather than trying to solve every problem.
• Leaders should do their inner work and self-reflection to understand their reactions and behaviors.
• Leaders should be aware of their challenges and traumas to be empathetic and supportive of their employees.
• Coaching and therapy serve different purposes, and leaders should be aware of when to refer employees to therapies for emotional work.
• Executive presence is an important quality for lean leaders to develop; it includes confidence, charisma, and inspiring others.

Memorable Quotes From Kathy Hadizadeh   

“Lean leaders listen, observe, and ask questions instead of trying to solve every problem.”

CONNECT WITH Kathy Hadizadeh   

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyhadizadeh/ 

Website: https://heartmindtuning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heart.mind.tuning/?hl=en 

 

Ep 112 Continuous Improvement and Your Legacy with Jann Freed

Continuous Improvement and Your Legacy with Jann Freed

 

Have you ever thought about your legacy? Jann Freed says that whether we think about it or not., we create our legacies daily. She has written a book about creating and leaving behind a powerful and meaningful legacy and joined me at the Edges of Lean to help us all be more intentional about the legacies we are creating. Her new book is Breadcrumb Legacy.

 

Jann Freed

 

Freed is a certified Sage-ing Leader, TEDx speaker, and adjunct professor at The University of Iowa, and she provides valuable insights and candid advice on purpose, leadership, and change, appealing to an audience seeking personal and professional development.

Dr. Jann Freed, a successful leadership consultant and author of five books, recently published Leading with Wisdom: Sage Advice from 100 Experts, emphasizing the importance of keeping our egos in check to become a strong leader. Her new book, Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering,  offers practical guidance for leaving a meaningful legacy based on in-depth interviews with leaders. 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:04:50 Embrace aging, embrace life.

00:13:21 Our legacies were born through daily actions.

00:21:09 Deliberate gratitude leaves a lasting impact.

00:24:17 Continuous improvement is about people.

00:28:17 Ego hinders organizational learning.

00:30:54 Providing feedback and trust are essential.

00:41:18 Be a leader worth following.

00:41:35 Respect the elders and make the boss's job easier.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Legacy comes through small, intentional actions taken daily. It is not just about the big moments.
• Leaders should focus on making a positive impact and influencing others daily.
• Controlling our egos is vital for avoiding toxic behaviors and leaving a positive legacy.
• Creating an environment of trust is essential for leaders to receive honest feedback for improvement.
• Legacy work is one of the main pillars of becoming a sage.
• Continuous improvement in organizations is about people improving and working together to make things better.

Memorable Quotes From Jann Freed    

 

"Legacy is about leaving a lasting impact on the world."

CONNECT WITH Jann Freed  

 

Find her book: https://jannfreed.com/   

Website: https://jannfreed.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannfreed/ 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jannfreed
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JannFreed 

Ep 111 Drawing Your Way to Continuous Improvement with Ashton Rodenhiser

 

As a lean leader, I have facilitated countless meetings and events. Truth be told, I am a messy and disorganized note-taker with dreadful handwriting! So, I have significant respect for the people who can record the work and results of a meeting in graphic form. Ashton Rodenhiser is an experienced graphic communicator, and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share her story and give us some ideas about bringing more images into how we capture meetings. 

Ashton Rodenhiser

 

Ashton Rodenhiser is a passionate creative entrepreneur advocating for drawing as a thinking tool accessible to all, regardless of their drawing abilities. Through her company, Mind's Eye Creative Consulting, she has been dedicated to helping people communicate their ideas through graphic recording and graphic facilitation. With over 2,500 presentations brought to life, Ashton has demonstrated the power of visually capturing notes for improved recall and a rich connection with information. Ashton enjoys quality time with her family in rural Canada when she is not working. 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:00:29 Drawing can enhance meeting capture.

00:08:09 Embrace the imperfection of creativity.

00:14:52 Graphic recording is accessible and efficient.

00:17:30 Visual storytelling is accessible to everyone.

00:25:55 Graphic facilitation empowers diverse voices.

00:27:58 Tangible paper creates memorable experiences.

00:33:17 Importance of transparent communication.

00:39:07 Value lived experiences in forming opinions.

00:44:45 Explore unique job opportunities through research and networking.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Graphic recording and facilitation can be powerful tools for capturing and communicating the work and results of meetings and events.
• The imperfection of graphic recording allows everyone to see and connect with their wisdom and knowledge.
• Graphic recording can be a powerful way to make people feel heard and seen uniquely.
• Creating simple drawing elements like lines, squares, and circles can elevate information and highlight key concepts.
• Words are essential in graphic recording to capture the content and ensure the group's ideas are honored.
• Graphic recordings can be used as a living document, with people writing on them and adding sticky notes to keep the conversation going.
• The purpose of graphic recordings is to capture the conversation in time and facilitate ongoing dialogue and action.

Memorable Quotes From Ashton Rodenhiser    

 

"Bringing more images into how we capture meetings can tell a story and enhance understanding."

CONNECT WITH Ashton Rodenhiser   

 

Find her book: https://amzn.eu/d/b6moElC  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonrodenhiser/?originalSubdomain=ca
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8egQ9KvwCLN8uAJN_OZJdg
Twitter: https://x.com/MindsEyeCCF?s=20 

 

Ep 110 Contiuously Improving the Feedback Cycle with Carole Stizza

As lean leaders, we talk about feedback a lot. We know that feedback is important, and if you are like me, you crave it – so that we can improve! But let’s face it, it’s not always effective or helpful. Carole Stizza has researched the topic of feedback, and she says that there’s a lot to improve! She joined me at The Edges of Lean to share her insights. 

 

Carole Stizza  

 

Carole, an industrial organizational psychologist with a passion for leadership, has faced numerous challenges, including frequent relocations due to being a military spouse, multiple car accidents, and a frightening cancer diagnosis. These experiences have shaped her perspective on life and success, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive intelligence. Carole now shares her insights with clients and audiences, guiding them toward becoming exceptional leaders and finding their path to meaningful success. When not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys hiking and cycling in the mountains of Colorado.

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:00:25 Improve feedback for continuous improvement.

00:09:30 Insight is about growth.

00:14:00 Ask for perspective, recognize, and communicate effectively.

00:21:16 Set up conversations for success.

00:24:12 Assessment drives growth and efficiency.

00:33:19. Language is vital for growth.

00:36:53 Effective communication requires active listening.

00:45:23 The power of asking questions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Feedback is often seen as negative and can be ineffective or unhelpful.
• The traditional approach to feedback, such as annual performance reviews, is outdated and does not yield the desired results.
• Harvard research suggests that asking for feedback is more effective than giving feedback.
• Asking for insights helps to create a safe space for conversation and connection.
• The brain constantly seeks information on what is going well and where there is room for growth.
• Social media has tapped into the human desire for recognition and growth.
• The key to effective feedback conversations is to be clear, specific and focused on one thing at a time.

Memorable Quotes From Carole Stizza    

 

"Our brain wants to know what we are doing right so we can keep and honor it. We do not throw it out with the bathwater. And we want to know where to grow next.”

CONNECT WITH Carole Stizza  

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carole-stizza-relevant-insight  

Website: https://www.relevant-insight.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relevant4you 

 

Ep 109 Continuous Improvement and Your Core Values with Andrea Johnson

 

Do you know what your core values are? Have they changed during your life as you grew, gained experience, and broadened your perspectives? Some people are very clear about their core values, while others are not or wonder if they need re-examining. Johnson's work centers on supporting people, especially women, as they define and align with their core values. She joined me at The Edges of Lean to share her insights.

 

Andrea Johnson  

 

Andrea Johnson is a coach and mentor who empowers executives and founders to lead authentically and confidently. She makes a positive impact on their lives, organizations, and communities. As an adoptive parent who grew up internationally, Andrea understands the importance of mental and physical wellness and the need for emotional resilience. She discovered that uncovering and understanding her Core Values was crucial to her growth, and now she helps her clients do the same.

Andrea specializes in working with leaders who feel stifled and unsatisfied with their current level of influence. Her passion lies in equipping female leaders to redefine the culture by trusting their critical thinking, imaginative creativity, and leadership skills.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:08:57 Leadership is about growing people.

00:11:13 Embrace your big personality.

00:11:35 Childhood leadership memories.

00:17:27 Core values guide our actions.

00:23:05 Coaching skills are essential in lean management.

00:26:08 Curiosity is a key for coaching.

00:29:30 The power of critical thinking.

00:31:25 Understanding personal beliefs and values.

00:38:36 Trust yourself, you have got this.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Core values and their importance in personal growth
• The journey of defining and aligning with core values
• Supporting women in discovering and embracing their core values
• The impact of core values on leadership development
• The relationship between core values and communication styles (DISC)
• The power of intentional optimism in personal and professional life
• The significance of standing tall and owning beliefs and values
• The importance of developing critical thinking skills
• Trusting oneself and embracing personal values as a foundation for success

Memorable Quotes From Andrea Johnson  

 

"Trust yourself because you know your core values even though you have not named them.”

CONNECT WITH Andrea Johnson     

 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-intentional-optimist/ 

Podcast:https://intentionaloptimists.buzzsprout.com/share 

Website: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/ 

 

 

Ep 108 Rapid Growth and the Power of Lean with Catherine Chabiron

Catherine Chabiron is an expert in lean management and an author. She recently wrote a book called Learning to Scale at the Theodo Group, which describes how a company faced with dramatic growth used lean thinking to avoid what Catherine calls Big Company Disease. She joined me at the Edges of Lean to discuss what she learned when she went to the Gemba with this company and its founders.

 

Catherine Chabiron   

 

Catherine is an accomplished Lean executive coach in France and plays a significant role in leading the Lean Service community at Institut Lean France. She is also a renowned author and teacher, specializing in problem-solving and sharing her experiences from Gemba walks in lean companies through her publication Notes from the Gemba on Planet Lean.

With 40 years of experience, Catherine is considered a Lean Management Sensei. She has authored numerous books and articles on lean methodology, focusing on helping companies transform their culture and enhance employee engagement to adapt to growth challenges.

 

 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:00:11 Lean management drives rapid growth.

00:05:42 The differences between Lean vs Agile in software development.

00:08:10 Why is it important to focus on the customer and not just process in growth situations?

00:13:51 Flexibility is the key in processes.

00:24:02 The importance of employee engagement and problem-solving skills.

00:25:00 Lean principles drive company success.

00:28:21 The need to keep learning as a leader.

00:29:03 Continuous learning drives organizational improvement

00:35:20 The importance of visiting the gemba.

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

• Lean management can help companies avoid the big company disease that often occurs with rapid growth.
• Agile and Lean are complementary approaches, but Agile alone may not address all the challenges of scaling a company.
• Leaders should ask about normal and abnormal conditions to encourage problem-solving and learning.
• Talent can be identified by the quality of the countermeasures proposed by employees to address problems.
• Scaling a company requires a balance between challenge and competence to drive growth and development.
• Watching and observing the actual work happening in the company is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities for improvement.

 

 

Memorable Quotes From Catherine Chabiron

 

"Identify talents when you visit by looking at the quality of the countermeasures they propose.”

 

 

CONNECT WITH Catherine Chabiron  

 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-chabiron

Twitter:https://x.com/CathChabiron?s=20

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Scale-Theodo-Group-resilient/dp/2958357023

 

Ep 107 Continuously Improving Your Conversations with Clients with Robert Indries

Robert Indries started his career as an engineer and has taken that scientific and analytical approach into his successful entrepreneurial business career. The general belief is that engineers are not good at the people stuff, but Robert turns that idea on its head. I was curious how he used his learnings as he built his businesses to understand better how to help his clients. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to generously share his insights.

 

Robert Indries   

 

Robert Indries, an entrepreneur and strategist, began his journey in a small Romanian town. With humble roots, he adopted the belief: "You can achieve anything, no matter where you are now."

Earning his master's degree in information technology project management, Robert built an 8-business empire generating seven figures annually. He traveled and visited 17 countries and spoke to thousands of people in 3 languages. Robert has accumulated over 500 million USD in client business value and delivered over 200 projects across 19 sectors and industries.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:01:59 Pursuing engineering at a young age.

00:06:19 Thinking like an engineer.

00:10:05 Reality vs Utopia.

00:13:17 Four types of personalities.

00:16:08 Our natural and adaptive selves.

00:25:03 Focusing on others to win.

00:29:01 Ethical business recommendations.

00:30:32 Taking midday naps at work.

00:34:03 Taking productive breaks.

00:40:19 De-risking their business is the best thing you can do as a consultant.

00:42:28 The value of building a brand.

00:46:37 Stop thinking people should be.

00:49:06 Accepting people for who they are

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

• The importance of continuous improvement in business
• The role of engineering mindset in business success
• Understanding and working with different personality types
• The power of listening and being customer-focused
• The value of data-driven decision-making
• Balancing personal and professional goals as a leader
• The impact of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace
• The benefits of taking breaks and prioritizing self-care
• Using data to identify areas for improvement in marketing, sales, HR, and finance
• The importance of testing and adapting strategies for optimal results

 

 

 

Memorable Quotes From Robert Indries

 

"If the mission is important enough, you will find a way to work with anyone."

 

 

CONNECT WITH Robert Indries 

 

Website:  https://robertindries.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertindries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertIndriesOfficial?_rdc=1&_rdr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertindries

 

 

Ep 106 Continuously Improving Your Connection to Yourself with Katarina Polonska

 

 

 

When I coach and consult, I focus on my clients and their goals and needs. This raises an important question: where am I in that relationship? Katarina Polonska believes that coaching that is successful for the client requires the coach to be connected to herself and that doing so creates energy and strength for the coach. She joined me at the Edges of Lean to share her insights and how she helps her clients connect to themselves. 

 

Katarina Polonska   

 

Katarina Polonska is a transformation coach specializing in relationships. Katarina helps people connect better to themselves so they can connect better to others. In addition, Katerina has a master's degree in gender dynamics from the University of Oxford and has a background in behavioral science and organizational psychology. She is also a mindfulness teacher. Katerina has experienced overcoming challenges and finding her purpose, which led her to become a coach and help others in their journeys of self-discovery and connections.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:04:04 The difference between therapy and coaching 

00:08:26 Having a connection to self is essential.

00:15:27 Listen to your inner voice.

00:17:11 The effect of the disconnection from body and intuition.

00:19:21 Conditioning and vulnerability in women

00:21:43 Conditioning of women's bodies.

00:23:04 Anorexia and societal expectations

00:27:20 Connect with your body's wisdom.

00:34:34 Curiosity leads to breakthroughs.

00:37:17 Build self-trust through action.

00:42:56 Reclaim self-trust and listen to intuition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Building a connection to oneself is essential for personal growth and success.
• Connecting to oneself creates energy and strength, benefiting the individual and their clients. 
• Coaching can complement therapy by focusing on the present moment and future goals.
• Coaching helps individuals integrate their past learnings into their current lives. 
• The coaching process involves connecting to oneself and being present in the moment.
• Mindfulness practices, such as body scans and grounding exercises, can help individuals connect with themselves. 
• Curiosity is a powerful tool for exploring and understanding one's emotions and reactions. 
• Taking micro actions based on gut instincts can help build self-trust and strengthen the connection to oneself. 
• Building trust in oneself is crucial for making decisions, solving problems, and achieving personal and professional goals.

Memorable Quotes From Katarina Polonska   

 

"The best relationships we can build all start with a solid relationship to our core being and who we are." 

CONNECT WITH Katarina Polonska  

 

Website:  https://www.katarinapolonska.com/     

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-polonsky/