tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24591908369605797292024-03-05T10:21:20.172-06:00NBI - Lean ThinkingNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-12039746629699204172020-01-08T14:07:00.003-06:002020-01-08T14:10:00.476-06:00Burn Your TODO List
Busy Work?
Being busy and being productive are far from the same thing. Most people are trying to do too much. They measure a good day by the tasks that they check off their TODO list.
Getting things done and making progress toward a goal are far from the same thing. Most people overestimate what they can do in a week and underestimate what they can do in a year (or even a month). Making Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-59551993730962125162019-12-28T10:46:00.002-06:002019-12-28T10:48:20.020-06:00The 5 Minute 5S
Lets face it - no-one wants to tackle 5S for their own closet. I mean seriously, there is so much emotion around those clothes we don't wear. You best friend gave you that ugly sweater. You had so much fun at the party in that suit. That sport jacket brings so many good memories. And you've vowed to fit into those pants again one day.
But if you are anything like me, your closet is full of Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-13663050324084253872019-01-30T11:10:00.003-06:002019-01-30T11:10:41.278-06:00Seriously?I'm not here to lie to you. Seriously.
Most companies don't do 5S properly. They don't understand what it is.
And it's not their fault.
If you search on line, or pick up any book about 5S, it will explain all the steps. They are quite simple and seem logical. And when you walk through the steps, you'll likely come to the same conclusion most people do. 5S is about organization of the workplaceNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-44258232370186776962019-01-29T08:17:00.000-06:002019-01-29T08:18:19.733-06:00Get started in 15 minutes and deliver results quickly
Many folks say they
have heard about 5S. But some are confused about what it's really about and how
they could benefit from it. Not to worry - here are just a few quick questions
that may indicate 5S could be helpful for you, save you some time and even some
money.
Are you frustrated
with the time you spend time looking for, or waiting for, tools, equipment or
information? Does this happen Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-27981351517385355062019-01-14T10:20:00.003-06:002019-01-14T10:20:57.512-06:00The Guide To Successful 5S Implementation
When I was first introduced to the 5S system, I thought "this is pretty lame". What a convoluted process for workplace cleaning!
The more companies I visit, the more I see this thought reinforced. Managers tell me they have done 5S ... many times. They say they have effective visual management systems in place and TPM is running well. Yet, when I walk through the plant, I see little evidence ofNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-31958614151425083252018-12-09T11:54:00.000-06:002018-12-09T11:54:01.270-06:00
It's Not What You Know
When you are a kid, just starting out, you think "what you know" will make you successful. It can be bigger than that ... read more
Norm
www.normbain.comNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-16035181440412084272018-01-07T13:53:00.000-06:002018-01-07T13:53:31.212-06:00Success, Productivity and Customer Service Hacks
The secret to
success is surprisingly simple.
Granted, it requires
discipline - you have to develop a discipline to feed and care for the system.
Every time.
Yup, you have to do
the work.
It's that discipline
in actually doing the work that separates you from your competition. That's
what grows your business. Customer perceived value.
Take my favorite
stationary store. Here is an Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-72379248846524425732018-01-02T15:23:00.003-06:002018-01-02T15:23:38.764-06:00Success Hack: How to focus on what's important
I could never make a
todo list work. It seemed all I was doing was making lists and remaking lists
as priorities changed.
And I learned a long
time ago that software won't solve any problem for you. If you don't have a
system, a way that works for YOU, automating it with an app is simply adding a
layer of waste. Design your system so it works old school first. Only then should
you automate itNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-1026887101925862622017-11-10T22:13:00.000-06:002017-11-10T22:13:41.638-06:00Oppsss the wheels fell off your lean initiative?
Lean is a powerful tool for improvement. But beyond just tools, lean can introduce a way of thinking that will revolutionize results. The step change in throughput and profitability can be nothing short of jaw dropping.
Most people have heard of Lean Manufacturing. It was made famous by the success of Toyota.
In recent years, Lean thinking has extended into the office, health care, Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-3027014731844836712017-08-17T16:15:00.001-05:002017-08-17T16:15:31.008-05:00This Changes EverythingI was channel surfing again the other day - good thing my wife was not home - she'd have grabbed that remote right out of my hand.
I stumbled across this history story about, of all things, the automotive industry. It talked about how it all got started and, more interestingly, how this industry has changed the shape of the world.
Then I got to thinking about other products that have Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-55795474205697946262017-05-23T10:39:00.002-05:002017-05-23T10:39:30.421-05:00Looking at it backwardsTuesday insights ...
I spent the long weekend reading a new book. May long weekend lived up to its reputation - rain, rain, rain. So while everyone declared "movie day" and headed to the big screen in the basement, I got comfortable on the couch with the kindle reader on the ipad.
An interesting quote from Aristotle in this book stood out in my mind -
the mark of an educated mind is being Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-85714942322673018952017-05-08T12:15:00.002-05:002017-05-08T12:15:58.140-05:00Does Lean Not Work?So I did this quick Google search "lean does not work" - 3.9 million results. It seems it is not working. Or at least people are talking about that.
When you dig deep, there are really only a few companies that can be considered lean. Many that embark on a lean journey seem to dabble with the tools, when it is convenient. The effort fades with time.
What most fail to recognize is that lean Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-8182474394064862792017-05-02T13:27:00.001-05:002017-05-02T13:27:52.841-05:00Lean On MeWhen I was a young boy, my Mom taught me how to ride a bike. At first I was terrified … "Don't let go".
She held the back of my seat and walked along beside me. Then, as time went on, she started letting go. Right before I would fall, she'd grab the bike to steady me.
Then one day, she just let me fall.
Here's Why ...
Norm
normbain.comNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-10227624487446080832017-04-19T19:19:00.004-05:002017-04-19T19:19:58.670-05:00Insight over coffee.A large coffee at Timmy's, Canada's favorite coffee stop is 2 bucks.
I like to take my clients out for lunch or coffee. Of course, it's your turn to buy. The soup and sandwiches at Tim's are cheap and quickly fill the void. And it provides a break from work life's constant demands to explore what's been happening, how they responded, what's been tried and where the struggles are. Barriers come Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-63836260273223934232017-02-11T08:05:00.001-06:002017-02-11T08:05:42.335-06:00Want Freedom? Start With Systems!Most businesses run by rote. Someone knows how to do each task. That person teaches the new guy. If you are a small business, you're likely that guy or gal.
Sorry to be the one to tell you, but that's not scale-able. If you are going to grow your business and enlist help to get things done AND ensure that things get done the way you want them done, you'll have to create systems.
It may feel Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-4289696562118983592016-10-27T14:20:00.000-05:002017-04-19T19:27:43.560-05:00Steal ShamelesslySo, I got a little feedback about my earlier post about lean and six sigma. I love the feedback - it tells me people are actually paying attention and this stuff does not just disappear into the internet back hole.
Anyway, the feedback was that there was a tone of sarcasm and cynicism in the post that the reader wanted to point out. I’m glad they did. Because I had intentionally put those Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-73254411289830889922016-10-27T09:56:00.002-05:002016-10-27T09:56:57.433-05:00How To Implement Lean (Step-By-Step)If you have been involved with Lean and studying the power of the Lean methodology, you’ll soon realize there is a world of difference between learning the tools, implementing the strategy and changing the culture.
There are many courses and programs on-line that will teach the tools. Fact is, that’s the easy part. A quick search at Amazon will provide a complete library of knowledge about lean Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-90112909970893285832016-10-19T14:42:00.001-05:002017-05-27T13:27:16.248-05:00Expert or ExplorerSo, I’m seeing lots of chatter in my inbox and on blog posts about how new people get started building an on-line following. One of the big fears seems to be “expert status”. Why the heck would anyone follow me or you if we are not an expert on the subject matter?
Interesting thought - my first response is “because it’s a discovery process, that’s what learning is all about, Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-21117108909486096782016-10-19T14:42:00.000-05:002016-10-19T14:45:32.615-05:00Expert or ExplorerSo, I’m seeing lots of chatter in my inbox and on blog posts about how new people get started building an on-line following. One of the big fears seems to be “expert status”. Why the heck would anyone follow me or you if we are not an expert on the subject matter?
Interesting thought - my first response is “because it’s a discovery process, that’s what learning is all about, Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-1635639534236551132016-06-30T11:47:00.000-05:002016-10-18T12:55:04.165-05:00How to get more done today than most do in a weekTaking massive action! What does than mean? Conventional wisdom says to get ahead you have to knuckle down and work harder. I totally disagree. We need to work smarter.
Most people are too busy to be productive. All their time is taken up on tasks that don’t make a difference.
Tony Robbins teaches the RPM method. The Results-Purpose-Map. It’s a great tool to get stuff done. If you watch his Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-63226753146236516592016-04-30T17:01:00.003-05:002016-04-30T17:01:43.772-05:00A taste of realityIn most organizations, the leaders assumption about what is happening in the workplace on a daily basis does not align with what is really taking place. Does that sound surprising?
I hope not. If you are becoming involved with lean thinking in your organization, I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the gemba walk. When was the last time you were in the gemba - the place where value is added for your Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-59046545801504407842016-04-29T18:28:00.001-05:002016-04-29T18:29:46.763-05:00Are you a consultant, coach or marketing executive?
Do you earn your living with information products?
Do you use websites, ebooks, emails or training programs to market your products?
If so, I guarantee you are leaving big money on the table – literally hundreds of thousands of dollars that could be in your pocket - real money that you are giving away - every day - unless you are using the Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-44637396239300779482016-04-12T08:32:00.002-05:002016-04-12T08:32:56.516-05:00The Journey To LeanLean is not a new concept. These days most manufacturing facilities, many service companies and several public services have been introduced to the power of these tools. Many organizations claim to be using lean and several consulting firms offer implementations.
So why do so many organization struggle to implement lean? http://leanjourney.ca/page/Home/
// NormNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-42854378510758439212016-04-09T13:06:00.001-05:002017-09-27T12:28:11.414-05:00Learning to SEEIn my consulting business I see missed focus and missed opportunity all the time. The chaos of day-to-day survival in the corporate world makes remaining focused really, really hard. People who have been introduced to lean are pumped about implementing tools. They come back from a conference or training wanting to change the world - make a difference - let's get going! The missing ingredient is “Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459190836960579729.post-57863687781091175212016-04-07T19:40:00.002-05:002016-04-07T19:40:46.130-05:00Leaving LeadPages ... Here's Why You Should TooThey want you to pay a monthly fee for "hosting" while constantly asking you to upgrade, upgrade, upgrade just to get ANY of the features and functions that you REALLY need to build robust and high converting sales pages.
And yet, this EXACT scheme that most "point & click" page building companies are running can be hosted on your own site.
Here's how ... with web builder tricks http://Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817394911647730175noreply@blogger.com0