In this podcast, I share details about a tool that I call "Process Log" but maybe you've heard it called something else.
It's an approach to documenting changes, observations and other activities that happen in a work area on a daily basis, so you can reference them in the future.
I also recommended checking out the Root Cause Analysis course, where you can learn about the 6 M's
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In this podcast, I share a module from the new Lean Six Sigma White Belt course I have recently released for free on the LeanSixSigmaEcosystem.com platform.
This module describes a quick history of Lean (or Toyota Production System) and how it evolved from the US to Japan and back to the US.
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In this podcast, I share one of the articles I found from October 1992 about a government efficiency program at the State of Iowa, called Total Quality Government.
I read through the article and share my thoughts about how it morphed into their modern improvement program.
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In this podcast, I share a short presentation I gave about the concept of Lean Coffee this week. It is an informal meeting structure where participants brainstorm topics and vote on what gets discussed. An alternative to spending time planning and guessing what people want to talk about or learn.I also explain how it differs but is similar to an unconference.You can learn more about the origin of Lean Coffee at https://leancoffee.org/You can also watch a video of this short presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7dkReGPg58
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In this podcast, I share the second section of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics"
Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and there are often less assumptions required (like requiring data to fit a normal distribution).
If you sign up for a free account on Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem, you'll be notified when the full course is ready.
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In this podcast, I share the first two sections of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics"
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In this podcast, I share the summary of a project I worked on almost 20 years, but is still relevant today.
A grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids (IA) community to study anticoagulation management using Lean and Six Sigma. One of the key analysis performed in the project was a Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) study. We wanted to determine if blood samples taken from a patient on warfarin have the same International Normalized Ratio (INR) results when analyzed in different labs (reproducibility) and when analyzed multiple times in the same lab (repeatability).
Results showed a statistically significant difference among labs. The therapeutic range for INR is typically 2.0 to 3.0, yet the data showed a difference in INR of 0.5 among labs on a small sample of 10 warfarin patients, almost 50 percent of the range.
By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs.
Links for this episode:
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In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used net promoter score (NPS) to assess the attendee feedback of a fundraising conference I helped organize.
By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs.
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In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used risk management methods to reduce the chance of problems when planning my first fundraising conference.
By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs.
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In this podcast, I explain a virtual coaching and mentoring program that will be starting next week.
Whether you’re rolling out a new project, stuck on data analysis, or facing resistance to change, you need specific help for your unique situation that aligns within your company culture.
You’re already solving problems. Now I'd like to help you solve them faster, with less frustration, and more impact.
Here are the highlights of getting coaching from a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-virtual-coaching-calls/ to learn more about the program.
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In this podcast, I share the results of a "Lean at Home" project I performed within the last year as part of a training and certification program I piloted with my friends and family.
The project successfully reduced our storage costs per month by over 50%, and then 100% within the past few weeks!
You can download the project summary here: http://www.leansixsigmahomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lean-at-Home-Project-Storage-Unit-2024.pdf
If you have an example, please share it with me on LinkedIn.
Go to LeanSixSigmaHomes.com to find many more examples of improvements at home using Lean and Six Sigma methods. You will also see the link to access the training and certification program for $49.
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In this podcast, I share the audio from a video of a speech given by former Nebraska governor and current US Senator, Pete Ricketts. He discusses how Nebraska used Lean Six Sigma to improve their services to residents, reduced costs, building space and time. He encourages the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to utilize a similar approach.
You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JwDhbZBXCI
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The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss how hypothesis testing can help you draw more statistically valid conclusions from data, and avoid misleading or incorrect conclusions.
I share two examples. The first was a data set from the Denver Sheriff's Department, where they graphed and analyzed intake use of force incidents, but their conclusions don't seem to match the graphic.
The 2nd example was data I pulled for a nonprofit I ran that showed the day of the week and time of day had no impact on click through rates on our monthly email newsletter.
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The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss the importance of data in improvement (seems obvious, yet not always present).
I also share the unique situation that happened in the 1948 Presidential Election when polling data was biased towards the candidate that lost. As I dug deeper into this story, I don't see where they specifically mention the phone, but there was a problem with the accuracy of the polling. It also mentions that Truman was gaining momentum late in the election, and that wasn't reflected in the polls. Nonetheless, the Chicago Tribune ran their infamous headline that Dewey had won the election, when Truman actually won.
You can learn more about that strange election at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_United_States_presidential_election
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In this podcast, I share a successful case study of a Lean Six Sigma training and certification program conducted for a battery manufacturer about 2 years ago. By completing real-life projects, they were able to payback the investment in the training in under one month!
Links
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In this episode, I share a short segment of a recorded presentation I gave to the Continuous Process Improvement Forum hosted within the National Industries of the Blind. They wanted to hear my perspective on AI, so I shared how I've utilized for my consulting work.
NIB is a great organization whose mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment.
Links
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
In the 2024 Lean Global Connection virtual conference, our Lean Sustainability community shared some tips and methods to help apply Lean to Green initiatives.
In my segment, I explained how Energy Treasure Hunts are a combination of gemba walks and kaizen events, with the goal to identify and reduce energy usage in a facility. This is a great approach that combines my passion for process improvement and sustainability.
The full presentation will be available in a few weeks (end of 2024), and I will post it in the Lean Six Sigma for Good podcast as soon as possible.
Links
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
Energy Treasure Hunts can be described as a combination of gemba walks and kaizen events in Lean methodology, with the goal to identify and reduce energy usage in a facility. This is a great approach that combines my passion for process improvement and sustainability.
I uploaded a recent webinar I did on Energy Treasure Hunts to AI (NotebookLM), and it generated a fake podcast episode between two robots, which was mind-blowing to hear.
I share segments from the "podcast" so you can hear how it sounds. Let me know what you think!
In summary, here is how NotebookLM summarized the webinar, which was well-stated:
"Energy treasure hunts and programs like the Better Buildings Challenge offer a powerful approach to identifying and implementing energy-saving opportunities. By engaging employees, leveraging data analysis, and fostering collaboration, organizations can achieve significant energy reductions, cost savings, and environmental benefits."
Links
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
In the last 2 episodes, I shared best practices in process improvement with students in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Executive MBA Program in Boca Raton, Florida.
At the end of my talk, I discussed how Lean and Six Sigma can be used to improve society and the environment, which I call Lean Six Sigma for Good. I share some examples and discuss my own experiences, hand out copies of Volume 1 and 2 of the book series, and encourage the students to help me connect with some local nonprofits.
Additional Links
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
This is the 2nd part of the list of best practices in process improvement I shared with students in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Executive MBA Program in Boca Raton, Florida last month. I compiled my top recommendations that they could take back to their company.
Additional Links
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/