Posts by Mike Baer
Lean Waste #4: Unused Talent
Years ago, when I was cutting my teeth on Total Quality Management (TQM, the predecessor to Lean) we would say, “With every pair of hands you get a free brain. Use it!” The reference was to talent hired in, mainly, manufacturing and logistics settings that were never asked their opinion or for input on how…
Read MoreLean Waste #3: Waiting
“Please take a seat,” they say. “The doctor will be right with you.” Lies. Lies! It’s all LIES! They will not be right with you. They’re overscheduled and behind and even though you showed up early, you will WAIT until they are ready to see you. What a waste of your time! All waiting is…
Read MoreLean Waste #2: Over Production
Inventory, whether it be produce, parts, food, or people ready to hire is waste. If you make or process more than you need it may seem wise but in reality, you’ve spent money on something you can use now. You may be able to use it next week or next year (if you’re not dealing…
Read MoreLean Waste #1: Defects
Any time we make a mistake—whether in crafting a product, updating the GL, filling an order, etc.—we either have to do it over or deliver to our customer something that isn’t right. The matrix of possible defects is huge. Wrong number. Wrong thing. Wrong data. Wrong food. Wrong answer. Wrong price. Wrong solution. Wrong fit.…
Read MoreThe 8 Wastes of Lean: Introduction
One of the people who taught me lean processes years ago defined lean as “the least way way to bring value to the customer.” Lean practitioners and would be/should be practitioners identify and eliminate waste; the Japanese word is “muda.” It’s that simple. According to lean teaching, there are 8 types of waste. They are…
Read MoreOK…Not OK
Culture is “the way we are” or “the way we live together.” It’s based on values, operating principles, and the hard to identify system of habits and customs. These govern our behavior. I’ve been trying to find a fresh way to look at this and, thanks to Brene Brown, I’ve begun to observe “OK—NOT OK.”…
Read MoreTwo Incredible Little Words
In his fast-read book, The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence, management guru Tom Peters devotes at least 15 of the 163 slots to the same thing—saying, “Thank you.” These words are free and very powerful. Consider: All the money and time we spend on contests and rewards when most people just want…
Read MoreGrowth Ideas #7: Why?
Many times, I think people get tired of hearing about the “need to grow.” I understand that and have felt that way myself at times. But then I think of the “Why,” “The Cause,” “The Purpose.” For some people, the “Why” behind growing is to make more money. Pure and simple. And, let’s be honest,…
Read MoreYou Business Rhythm
Every business has a particular rhythm or cadence and the wise leader is quick to figure these out, reinforce them and manage to them. However, they aren’t all the same. Often, due to the rhythm of accounting practices and GAAP, many companies fall into a monthly, quarterly, or annual rhythm. Yet many businesses are actually…
Read MoreGrowth Ideas #5: Watching the Right Dials
It would not be an understatement to say that we are awash in data. We get reports from all manner of departments through our systems, email, intranet, meetings, conference calls and webinars. Information is everywhere and about everything. If can do it we can measure it and report on it. The result of all of…
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