In the 1890′s “process improvement systems” were really beginning to attract a lot of attention. Taylorism used harsh tactics included setting unreasonable production targets based on questionable time study data. Other companies at the time were even harsher. During that time these tactics were effective at bringing about profit. Over the long haul however the

“Continuous improvement” systems are only effective at accelerating an organization towards it’s aim (or focus).   If the aim of an organization is to make money by ravaging and destroying the earth then a “continuous improvement” program will help an organization do just that. I hope that there aren’t management teams out there aiming to

Most large organizations today have a continuous improvement system in place, however not all continuous improvement programs are the same. Some management teams put innovation on the back-burner while others set up overbearing, bureaucratic improvement programs. A balanced and healthy “Continuous Improvement” program… 1. Is focused on long term benefits 2. Not forced (but instead,

Six Sigma uses the DMAIC cycle as a project roadmap. There are some advantages for using DMAIC… 1. Clear roles and responsibilities 2. Stated goal (at project level) 3. Easy to understand statistical tools 4. Common standardized language 5. Statistical approach This is great for complex processes in large organizations that have pre-existing mountains of

A few years ago I picked up an interesting book from the Strand’s $1 stand. It was published in 1983 titled “The Next Economy” by Paul Hawken.  Since we are now almost three decades beyond the publish date I thought to myself…  “Lets see how far off Paul Hawken was in his predictions”. What I

As participants within the larger system, we are all contributing a unique set of energies.  Much like an orchestra, our individual vibrations blend with the vibrations of those around us to make the sound of our “culture” (family culture, company culture, national culture, etc.). The key to finding a sustainable “culture” is to understand both

As a consultant, I have worked with managers inside several business and governmental organizations.   I’ve found that while products and services may vary greatly, there are several key goals all businesses try to achieve regardless of industry. How to grow or operate sustainably over time How to best allocate company resources How to partner

Exactly one year ago today, I was driving through Jamestown, VA. I saw a billboard for  a “Historic Jamestown Fort and Powhatan Village”. I decided on a whim to stop in and check it out.  As I made my through the historic park I met a man dressed in Native American garments tending to an