Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

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Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Process Management International (PMI)

85 episodes

5 days ago

Even the best-designed processes can drift over time, but Process Confirmation stops small deviations from becoming major gaps. In this episode, PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson explains why Process Confirmation isn’t about auditing but understanding how work really happens. He explores how this approach helps leaders stay connected to operational reality, using the insights to strengthen performance and build capability at every level. From frontline operators to leaders managing impr...

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Even the best-designed processes can drift over time, but Process Confirmation stops small deviations from becoming major gaps. In this episode, PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson explains why Process Confirmation isn’t about auditing but understanding how work really happens. He explores how this approach helps leaders stay connected to operational reality, using the insights to strengthen performance and build capability at every level. From frontline operators to leaders managing impr...

Show more...

Episodes (20/85)

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Process Confirmation: Catching Drift Before It Becomes a Gap

Even the best-designed processes can drift over time, but Process Confirmation stops small deviations from becoming major gaps. In this episode, PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson explains why Process Confirmation isn’t about auditing but understanding how work really happens. He explores how this approach helps leaders stay connected to operational reality, using the insights to strengthen performance and build capability at every level. From frontline operators to leaders managing impr...

5 days ago

14 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Implement, Standardise, Review

You’ve delivered the project. The results are in. But six months later… the old ways of working have crept back in. So how do you stop progress from slipping away? Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he shares how to close the Improvement Cycle with confidence, turning delivery into lasting impact. Learn how thoughtful implementation, genuine stakeholder engagement, and building team capability can help change take root and grow. If sustaining improvement feels like the toug...

2 weeks ago

17 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Is/Is Not: The Overlooked Problem Solving Tool

What exactly is the problem? And what isn’t? It sounds simple, but getting clarity here can be the difference between chasing assumptions and finding the real root cause. Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson in the studio with Susannah Clarke as they discuss Is/Is Not, a beautifully simple tool often underused in problem solving. With a practical example involving soggy pizzas, Stuart shows how moving beyond scoping questions can generate powerful clues, test theories, and steer y...

1 month ago

15 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Roles in Agile and Lean Six Sigma

Different approaches, same goal: better performance. That’s why Agile and Lean Six Sigma work together; aligning people, roles, and responsibilities to get the best out of every team. Join Anthony Richardson in conversation with Susannah Clarke as they reveal how Lean Six Sigma roles like Green Belts, Black Belts, and Sponsors align with Agile roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers. Learn when and how these roles intersect, why it matters for delivering improvements, and ho...

2 months ago

13 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

FMEA Beyond Manufacturing

It’s a classic tool. But its reach is far wider than you might think. Join PMI Consultant Des Kelly as he explains what Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) really is, how the 2019 global standard changed the game, and why Process FMEA now belongs in hospitals, call centres, control rooms and corporate functions as much as on the shop floor. If you run, design, or depend on any process (yes, that means you!), you’ll see how FMEA can strengthen performance where it matters most, and sta...

2 months ago

18 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Lean Is Not About Efficiency, It’s About Abnormality at a Glance

It’s a bold claim, but one worth exploring. Join PMI Consultant Niall Coney as he challenges one of the most persistent misconceptions in improvement: that Lean is about efficiency. Through real-world examples and a return to the purpose behind Lean tools, Niall reframes Lean as a way to see abnormality at a glance. Not as a shortcut to efficiency, but as a foundation for problem solving. From 5S to standardised work, Andon to process confirmation, he explores how these tools expose ...

2 months ago

15 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

AI for Smarter Problem Solving

AI is reshaping problem solving. But can it follow the methods you trust? Join PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh as he shares an improvement-in-action story where conventional thinking reached its limit, and a custom AI agent opened new possibilities. He explains the difference between generic AI tools and tailored agents, how prompt engineering is shaping the future of work, and why this isn’t about replacing expertise, but amplifying it. If you’ve ever wond...

3 months ago

14 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

When Is 8D the Right Problem-Solving Approach?

8D has a reputation for being thorough, rigorous, and methodical. But is it always the best choice? Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson as he takes us though three digestible scenarios to highlight the difference between everyday fixes, improvement work, and when 8D is exactly the right tool. Cutting through the confusion, he unpacks the method step-by-step and explains how to use it with discipline, not by default. If you’ve ever asked, “Should we just fix it or dig deeper...

3 months ago

15 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Correlations: Unravelling Relationships

“If I change this… what happens over there?” It’s a familiar question in improvement, and one that correlation helps us explore with rigour and insight. Join PMI Consultant Niall Coney as he breaks down the concept of correlation and its role in uncovering meaningful relationships. Using practical examples, from machine settings to wellbeing initiatives, he explains how correlation and regression support evidence-based decisions, help avoid blind spots and focus improvement where it matters.&...

4 months ago

11 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

5 Leadership Pitfalls

On the surface, everything seems aligned. But improvement just won’t stick. Why? Join PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight as he unpacks five leadership behaviours that quietly derail progress. From staying too far from the frontline to clinging to outdated thinking, these pitfalls are easy to miss but hard to work around. If you’ve ever struggled to get traction, build momentum or gain support for your improvement work, this conversation will help you see what might really be go...

4 months ago

13 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

The Purpose of Process

It’s a deceptively simple question: What is the purpose of this process? An unclear process purpose is one of the most overlooked causes of waste, misaligned priorities, poor decisions, and missed improvement opportunities. Yet too often, teams dive into complex redesign without first agreeing on why the process exists at all. Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson as he shows how stepping back to define process purpose clearly and collaboratively can uncover hidden value, pre...

5 months ago

15 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

The Challenges of Defining Value Add

It’s simple: identify what’s valuable and do more of it. But in practice, defining what truly adds value and what doesn’t, can be far from straightforward. PMI Consultant Damion Albinson explores why defining “value add” is one of the trickiest yet most essential concepts in improvement. From legislative red tape to emotional resistance, he shares how well-intentioned tasks can cloud our view of what's really worth doing. Hear how to distinguish truly necessary work from dis...

5 months ago

11 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Design of Experiments: How to Read Between the Lines

The core principle of DoE is elegantly simple: “how does this thing affect that thing?” PMI Consultant Niall Coney explores the value of experimental design and regression analysis: clear thinking, informed decisions, and measurable impact. Whether you’re working on improvement in manufacturing or marketing, operations or organisational change, don’t let the fear of complex statistical calculations hold you back. It’s about asking better questions and digesting the answers. More...

6 months ago

14 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Decode Ambiguity with Operational Definitions

We’re on the same page… Or are we? In improvement work, misaligned understanding around simple terms like ‘on time’ or ‘complete’ can derail progress before it begins. But PMI Consultant Damion Albinson explains how you can cut through the noise with clear operational definitions. Discover how to turn vague expectations into measurable clarity, avoid costly misunderstandings, and build trust with both customers and colleagues. The difference between rework and results starts with shared...

6 months ago

11 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Simplifying Sampling Strategies

Does data collection feel like a tedious, time-consuming hurdle in your improvement projects? It doesn’t have to be. Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, for a 15-minute masterclass in smarter data collection that delivers reliable insights without wasting time or resources. Learn how to choose the right sampling strategy, ensure accuracy with the right measurement systems, and leverage data simulation effectively. More resources: On Demand Webinar: Data Collection TechniquesPodcast: The Va...

7 months ago

13 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

How to Onboard an Improvement Team Effectively

Your improvement team is assembled, the project is underway, but something’s off. Misalignment keeps surfacing, engagement is lacking, and stalled progress feels inevitable. Join PMI Consultant and improvement project expert Mark Allison, as he shares the essential steps for setting your team up for success, with practical techniques to build clarity, confidence, and collaboration from day one. Take the time to consider your onboarding process and ensure that your next project kicks off with ...

7 months ago

11 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Change or Chance? Understanding Hypothesis Testing

When you spot a difference in your data, is it because something has genuinely changed, or is it just chance? Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, as he demystifies hypothesis testing: one of the most misunderstood tools in improvement. From p-values to t-tests, Niall breaks it down in practical terms, showing how the right statistical ‘screwdriver’ can give you the confidence to act on your data. Plus, a relatable lesson in learning to trust the numbers, even when they don’t tell you w...

8 months ago

14 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

The Value of Capability Analysis

If you’re making decisions based on assumptions, this episode could change everything. Join PMI Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh for a real-world case study where Capability Analysis exposed a costly blind spot for an unsuspecting organisation. As he shares valuable lessons learned from the experience, discover why process stability is just the beginning, how to avoid misleading conclusions, and the crucial role of strong supplier relationships for success. More resources: Understanding...

8 months ago

12 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Identifying The Right People For Your Team

Struggling with team dynamics? When it comes to building a successful improvement team, skills matter, but the right people are everything. Join PMI Consultant and improvement project expert Mark Allison as he shares his proven approach to assembling a team that delivers. He explains why passion and intrinsic motivation are more important than expertise, and why at least half your team should consist of process operators. This episode could be the game-changer you need for success in your nex...

9 months ago

13 minutes

Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Understanding Capability in Process Performance

How confident are you that the processes you rely on can delight your customers? Capability studies will provide the answer by revealing whether your processes are delivering what your customers truly want or simply what they’re willing to tolerate. Join PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight as he shares the principles, practices, and real-world insights that will empower your teams to move beyond "good enough" and consistently deliver excellence.More resources:Control Charts: Driving Su...

9 months ago

13 minutes