Positioning Lean for Success

Previously when I was discussing, Let’s make Lean Simple Again, I had introduced the SALES Acronym for providing an overall scope to the effort and provide direction for the participating team. However, there is another challenge and that is ensuring we understand better the level of perspective we are facing. We want to understand the highest leverage Read More …

Can Lean Help Predict the Future?

Is your marketing system creating the forward thinking that you need? It is just not using predictive analytics. It is also developing the mind-shift that forecasting, recognizing trends should be a large part of your efforts.  The cliche I have used for years is that the role of marketing is just not getting the message Read More …

The Cascading Effects of Lean in Your Marketing

Upcoming Presentation This breakout session is part of the Lean Leadership Week, which includes the Lean People Development Summit and Lean Accounting/Management Summit hosted by Lean Frontiers in Savannah, GA on October 24th & 25th, 2017. For more information visit: http://www.leanfrontiers.com/leadershipweek/. Title: The Cascading Effects of Lean in Your Marketing Session Abstract: Marketing is becoming less Read More …

The 5 Big Questions for Lean Marketing

In the book, The Lean Strategy, the authors compare the 5 Key Questions of Michael Porters’ seminal work on strategy to Toyota’s strategy. Michael Porter’s Strategy Model Shaped by 5 Key Questions How do you respond to the bargaining power of customers? How do you increase our bargaining power over suppliers? How do you counter the Read More …

Let’s make Lean Simple Again

I was taught Lean is simple: Find a problem, Solve a problem. It really is that simple to get started. Using my interpretation of Lean thinking, we start by: Capture what you are doing (CAP-Do) Create your Standard Practice (SDCA) Take one of those practices improve on it (PDCA) Try something new explore (EDCA) The percentage Read More …

The Kaizen Spirit (PDCA) Card

PDCA or Plan – Do – Check – Act The word “Kaizen,” if you break it down into its two Japanese root words, “kai” means change and “zen” means good. It’s not just about change or an iteration. It’s about making sure change is for the better, and that the change is what you intended. The essence Read More …