Systems Thinking: Our Business Processes Involve Parts That Are Interrelated
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way a system’s constituent parts interrelate and how these parts work together over time and within the context of larger systems. A system includes all the interactions and interdependencies of the interrelated constituent parts. Traditionally, we are taught to analyze our processes and look at each part...
Read MorePull The Trigger: Stop Analysis Paralysis In Its Tracks
We all know people that tear the watch apart when solving problems and making decisions. They’re the ones that go into meticulous detail and try to peak behind every corner and cranny. They have a hard time making the simplest decision, never quite sure they’ve made the right one. They worry about what their boss and friends will think and say about them. They’re afraid...
Read MoreEstablish Pull In Your Office To Save Money, Avoid Shortages Of Supplies, and Set An Example
Many offices use pull already but just aren’t aware of it. Nobody knows exactly how many pencils, pens, reams of paper, and toner will be used in the office. If there were a scheduled, standing order of all these things, you would guess correctly in some cases, have too much in others, and run out of some critical items. In a well-ran office, somebody is designated to keep the supply...
Read MoreTrain Your Mind To Think Differently
Dr. Edward de Bono, the world’s leading authority on conceptual thinking as the driver of organizational innovation, strategic leadership, individual creativity, and problem-solving, says we too often confuse wisdom and cleverness. We concentrate on cleverness and neglect wisdom because we believe that you have to be ancient to be wise. Cleverness has to do with solving complex puzzles...
Read MoreUse Lean Six Sigma Tools and Methods In Your Thinking To Better Analyze And Solve Problems
I often think there is a gap in what we learn and how we use that knowledge in real-life situations to analyze and solve problems, especially when it relates to statistical techniques and their use. Using Lean Six Sigma tools and methods should be the way we think and analyze situations we encounter in our every day lives. Let me give you a few examples to prove my point. Control charts can...
Read MoreEngineers Use Lean Six Sigma Principles To Help Them Think Scientifically
As an engineer myself, I often wished I could have started my career with the knowledge I had acquired by the end of my career. I had the opportunity to learn something new every day, design new products and processes, work with great skilled tradespeople, solve problems, teach problem-solving and Lean Six Sigma around the world, and travel meeting new people. It was a great career and I...
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