Looking for a diversion? Need some training tools?
Try our Lean Tools Crossword.
Just print it out and have some fun!
http://leanjourney.ca/LeanCrosswordPuzzle.htm
For those who get frustrated, we've provided a link to the solution.
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Showing posts with label Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Training. Show all posts
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, November 23, 2009
In todays economy - why not create your own job?
Do you have a hobby that you absolutely love? Are you an expert at something? If so, you just might be able to turn that hobby into a few extra bucks every month.
I'm sure you've heard that “it’s not work if you love what you do”. In reality, however, most of us are stuck in jobs we don’t love, working for people we don’t respect, and feel we are going no-where fast. We stay, because we are worried about paying the rent and getting out of debt.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn what you love to do into your full time job? Time flies when you're having fun — doing what you gladly spend your other 8 hours doing! Why not make money doing that?
Check out Melanie Jordan's book What you know is worth more than you think!
Here are some things to consider:
1. What can you teach? Before you say "nothing", take a moment and really think about this. Take some time to brainstorm your talents, skills and interests. Do you speak another language? Are you a marketing whiz? Have you mastered social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook?
2. What can you do from home? Brand building. Build web sites. Process forms. Do company billing from home.
3. How much can you make? Consultants and teachers can make $100 to $300 an hour! Freelancers can earn $20 - $100 an hour. Not bad for doing something you enjoy.
The list is endless. Limited only by YOUR imagination. Best success . . .
Get started NOW - With the book "What you know is worth more than you think!"
Norm
www.normanbain.com
I'm sure you've heard that “it’s not work if you love what you do”. In reality, however, most of us are stuck in jobs we don’t love, working for people we don’t respect, and feel we are going no-where fast. We stay, because we are worried about paying the rent and getting out of debt.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn what you love to do into your full time job? Time flies when you're having fun — doing what you gladly spend your other 8 hours doing! Why not make money doing that?
Check out Melanie Jordan's book What you know is worth more than you think!
Here are some things to consider:
1. What can you teach? Before you say "nothing", take a moment and really think about this. Take some time to brainstorm your talents, skills and interests. Do you speak another language? Are you a marketing whiz? Have you mastered social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook?
2. What can you do from home? Brand building. Build web sites. Process forms. Do company billing from home.
3. How much can you make? Consultants and teachers can make $100 to $300 an hour! Freelancers can earn $20 - $100 an hour. Not bad for doing something you enjoy.
The list is endless. Limited only by YOUR imagination. Best success . . .
Get started NOW - With the book "What you know is worth more than you think!"
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Lean Resource Guide
Confused about lean concepts or terminology? Then visit the NBI knowledge center or our management library. Our on-line education and continual learning resource guide!
Norm www.normanbain.com
Norm www.normanbain.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Making 5-Why work for you
One of the simplest tools to use in solving problems is a 5-why analysis. It is also one of the least understood and poorly applied tools. It seems that simple concepts can be the most difficult to apply and execute.
In almost every instance where I have seen it used, the answers to the "why" seem shallow and the root cause of the problem - or even the real problem - is seldom identified or resolved.
So how does a tool that we all learn to master at an early age become obsolete as an adult? Kids at 4 years of age are masters at this … why-dad, why-mom, why, why, why, they’ll drive you nuts if you let them. And they get the answers and the understanding they seek through the process. But we lose that mastery when we grow up and enter the world of business.
Problem solving can be a bit like swatting flies. We see a fly (the problem) and swat it. But we don’t get to the source of the flies … what is attracting them and what the cause is in the first place.
In many businesses, problem solving takes a similar approach. We solve the problems as we find them, but we don’t know if we are working on the right problem, or the biggest problem with our limited resources.
That becomes increasingly important in these tough economic times. When everyone is tightening their belts, how do I make sure my limited resources are focused on the biggest problems in the organization?
Using 5-why is not enough. The 5-why process is most effective when it is used in combination with “therefore” and “so that”. If that sounds confusing, its because we lost the art of asking “why” when we grew up. As 4 year olds, we did not accept an irrelevant answer. So lets re-learn the key to making this work.
Think of problem solving as the branches of a tree (or the file structure in your computer).
5-why is useful in identifying potential causes of the problem. The “why” opens up more branches of the tree. This gives us many more potential avenues to pursue.
Using “therefore” moves us closer to the trunk. If the answer opened by the “why” question can not be returned by a “therefore” test, the answer to the why is not relevant. For example, if we follow the line of questioning that Kent Blumberg used on his blog post:
The “why” process takes us DOWN the chain
The gas bill is high, Why
The gas consumption is high, Why?
We turned up the thermostat, Why?
We shiver if it is set lower, Why
We are wearing shorts
The “therefore” process takes us UP the chain
We are wearing shorts, therefore
We are shivering, therefore
We turned up the thermostat, therefore
The gas consumption was high, therefore
The gas bill is high
By validating the “why” answers with a “therefore” statement we ensure the path remains relevant and we are on track. This process will help eliminate the shallow responses.
Now that we have validated the “why’s” with “therefore’s” we need to ask “so that”. The “so that” statement relates how effective our solution is to our goal.
We are not wearing shorts “so that” the gas bill is not high.
Our solution of “not wearing shorts” to meet our goal of “lowering the gas bill” may not be the most effective. Perhaps we could have had a better answer when we asked why the gas consumption was high.
By combining the “why” analysis with “therefore” checking and “so that” validation we have an effective tool to get to the right problem and the right solution.
How did problem solving become so complicated? It seemed so much simpler when we were 4 year olds.
Norm
www.normanbain.com
In almost every instance where I have seen it used, the answers to the "why" seem shallow and the root cause of the problem - or even the real problem - is seldom identified or resolved.
So how does a tool that we all learn to master at an early age become obsolete as an adult? Kids at 4 years of age are masters at this … why-dad, why-mom, why, why, why, they’ll drive you nuts if you let them. And they get the answers and the understanding they seek through the process. But we lose that mastery when we grow up and enter the world of business.
Problem solving can be a bit like swatting flies. We see a fly (the problem) and swat it. But we don’t get to the source of the flies … what is attracting them and what the cause is in the first place.
In many businesses, problem solving takes a similar approach. We solve the problems as we find them, but we don’t know if we are working on the right problem, or the biggest problem with our limited resources.
That becomes increasingly important in these tough economic times. When everyone is tightening their belts, how do I make sure my limited resources are focused on the biggest problems in the organization?
Using 5-why is not enough. The 5-why process is most effective when it is used in combination with “therefore” and “so that”. If that sounds confusing, its because we lost the art of asking “why” when we grew up. As 4 year olds, we did not accept an irrelevant answer. So lets re-learn the key to making this work.
Think of problem solving as the branches of a tree (or the file structure in your computer).
5-why is useful in identifying potential causes of the problem. The “why” opens up more branches of the tree. This gives us many more potential avenues to pursue.
Using “therefore” moves us closer to the trunk. If the answer opened by the “why” question can not be returned by a “therefore” test, the answer to the why is not relevant. For example, if we follow the line of questioning that Kent Blumberg used on his blog post:
The “why” process takes us DOWN the chain
The gas bill is high, Why
The gas consumption is high, Why?
We turned up the thermostat, Why?
We shiver if it is set lower, Why
We are wearing shorts
The “therefore” process takes us UP the chain
We are wearing shorts, therefore
We are shivering, therefore
We turned up the thermostat, therefore
The gas consumption was high, therefore
The gas bill is high
By validating the “why” answers with a “therefore” statement we ensure the path remains relevant and we are on track. This process will help eliminate the shallow responses.
Now that we have validated the “why’s” with “therefore’s” we need to ask “so that”. The “so that” statement relates how effective our solution is to our goal.
We are not wearing shorts “so that” the gas bill is not high.
Our solution of “not wearing shorts” to meet our goal of “lowering the gas bill” may not be the most effective. Perhaps we could have had a better answer when we asked why the gas consumption was high.
By combining the “why” analysis with “therefore” checking and “so that” validation we have an effective tool to get to the right problem and the right solution.
How did problem solving become so complicated? It seemed so much simpler when we were 4 year olds.
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
A Fishy Story
I have had the pleasure of working with many different organizations through my career. And I can truly say that each one of those workplaces was unique - in its challenges, with its opportunities and with the characters that work there. While I have enjoyed each assignment and approach my work with a passion to get the job done, I have never had the pleasure of walking into what I would characterize as a “fun” place to work at the get-go. Teamwork develops over time, and the people start to have fun as they come together as a team. But that generally happens after the team starts to gel.
Contrast that with the world famous Pikes Fish Market. Excitement and energy fills the air when you walk into the place. The energy embraces everyone, even as they approach. Its like returning to the fairground when you were a kid. So how can this be a workplace? How can they have so much fun, engage the people and accomplish so much when the work itself is not that fun. Selling fish was certainly not on the top of my high school careers list!
If you are visiting in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), seek out and stop by a Licks Hamburger joint. Feel the energy when you walk in the door! And listen to the order taker sing your order to the kitchen – then they all chime in from the back to confirm its on the grill and on its way! The customer becomes part of the experience that this team is delivering!
There is a small toy store in Stratford, Ontario that became the best toy store in Canada. Walking into the store you are captivated by the small aisle ways, wooden floor and the people actually playing with the toys. Most of the folks working there are kids themselves – no, really kids! They show you the best stuff, and engage you with what’s new. A visit to Family and Company is an experience in itself! And often the only adults you see are the customers themselves!
So where does the magic come from? How have these folks turned their shops into “world famous” or “best in Canada”. The solution is found in a simple philosophy. Simple and fabulous to experience, but more of a challenge to implement!
So what would happen to your workplace if you took these principals and applied them well. If everyone was aware that YOU choose your own attitude and that work can be play. That the team is actually present for their customers and they work to make the customers day! Your organization could become world famous too! And people would really want to work there.
So how do we develop a culture like that? How do we transform from a group that hates Mondays, works to get over hump day and embraces TGIF (thank goodness its Friday) with the POETS (Pee on everything tomorrows Saturday) afternoon get together?
By choosing to just dive in, experience the change and become world famous. Like Ghandi stated so well - "We must be the change that we want to see in the world".
Want help? Lets talk! Learn more about changing your organizational culture here.
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Contrast that with the world famous Pikes Fish Market. Excitement and energy fills the air when you walk into the place. The energy embraces everyone, even as they approach. Its like returning to the fairground when you were a kid. So how can this be a workplace? How can they have so much fun, engage the people and accomplish so much when the work itself is not that fun. Selling fish was certainly not on the top of my high school careers list!
If you are visiting in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), seek out and stop by a Licks Hamburger joint. Feel the energy when you walk in the door! And listen to the order taker sing your order to the kitchen – then they all chime in from the back to confirm its on the grill and on its way! The customer becomes part of the experience that this team is delivering!
There is a small toy store in Stratford, Ontario that became the best toy store in Canada. Walking into the store you are captivated by the small aisle ways, wooden floor and the people actually playing with the toys. Most of the folks working there are kids themselves – no, really kids! They show you the best stuff, and engage you with what’s new. A visit to Family and Company is an experience in itself! And often the only adults you see are the customers themselves!
So where does the magic come from? How have these folks turned their shops into “world famous” or “best in Canada”. The solution is found in a simple philosophy. Simple and fabulous to experience, but more of a challenge to implement!
So what would happen to your workplace if you took these principals and applied them well. If everyone was aware that YOU choose your own attitude and that work can be play. That the team is actually present for their customers and they work to make the customers day! Your organization could become world famous too! And people would really want to work there.
So how do we develop a culture like that? How do we transform from a group that hates Mondays, works to get over hump day and embraces TGIF (thank goodness its Friday) with the POETS (Pee on everything tomorrows Saturday) afternoon get together?
By choosing to just dive in, experience the change and become world famous. Like Ghandi stated so well - "We must be the change that we want to see in the world".
Want help? Lets talk! Learn more about changing your organizational culture here.
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Friday, January 9, 2009
2009 Professional Development Schedule
NBI is pleased to offer our Professional Development schedule for the first half of 2009.
In this time of economic unrest and turmoil, NOW is the time to upgrade your skills and to develop your staff.
It is estimated that North American manufacturing will lose 100,000 jobs in the first half of 2009. How well prepared is your team to deal with these uncertainties. Are your people overstressed and underappreciated? Do they have the skills to fill the gaps in your organization should key people leave? NOW is the time to prepare to run your business more effectively!
Our interactive workshops provide awareness of the productivity enhancing tools and resources available by introducing and demonstrating key concepts. Delivered by experienced industry practitioners, these programs develop core skills for employees at all levels of your organization.
Offered at strategic locations across North America, these sessions can be combined to maximize the training experience.
Click here for details.
NBI, committed to helping you and your company be more successful.
Regards
Norm
www.normanbain.com
In this time of economic unrest and turmoil, NOW is the time to upgrade your skills and to develop your staff.
It is estimated that North American manufacturing will lose 100,000 jobs in the first half of 2009. How well prepared is your team to deal with these uncertainties. Are your people overstressed and underappreciated? Do they have the skills to fill the gaps in your organization should key people leave? NOW is the time to prepare to run your business more effectively!
Our interactive workshops provide awareness of the productivity enhancing tools and resources available by introducing and demonstrating key concepts. Delivered by experienced industry practitioners, these programs develop core skills for employees at all levels of your organization.
Offered at strategic locations across North America, these sessions can be combined to maximize the training experience.
Click here for details.
NBI, committed to helping you and your company be more successful.
Regards
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
On Line Introduction to Lean Thinking
"Just the overview please ... I don't have time right now".
Is this you? Is your day so jamb packed that you don't have time to do anything but fight fires? Want to make improvements, but don't know where to start? Is your company improvement process like swatting flies - one problem after another but never getting to where the flies are coming from? This is the current situation in many businesses in these tough economic times. Heard about Lean, and want to learn the concepts, but don't have the time to read a book or take a course?
Truth be known - if this describes your situation, you NEED to discover Lean Thinking! You don't have time NOT to use this tool. Because hoping things will get better will not work - it never has - it never will! ACTION is the key to change. And its very hard working ON your business while you are working IN your business.
What do you need to implement lean in your organization?
1. A Change Agent
2. A Core Knowledge of Lean
3. Crisis for Lever of Change
4. Determination to IMPLEMENT radical improvement
With this formula, you are virtually guaranteed success!
You may just need a little help along the way. We're here to help!
So what can you expect with a lean implementation? How about step change improvement in; Order-to-delivery time (like 30% improvement in 6 months), Inventory reduction (30% in 6 months), Throughput increase (20-50% in 6 months), On time delivery improvement (90% in 6 months). Would these kind of results be of interest to you? We should talk! These are TYPICAL results that we see clients achieve with a structured and disciplined approach to lean implementation.
So what is this lean all about? Eliminating waste and streamlining processes by focussing on value as defined from your customer. Its that simple, and that tough to implement! Lean has to be a total commitment. Successful practitioners use it to change the entire culture of their organizations.
Want the readers digest version of lean thinking? NBI has teamed up with OEM to provide the Lean 101 on-line course to you for just $99.00. That is a whopping 85% OFF the regular price of $699.
To take advantage of this offer, visit our website at http://www.leanjourney.ca and enter the code "lean101" in the "get it" box. We'll give you a coupon code to get the Lean 101 on-line course for just $99.00. Act fast - registration at this price is limited to the first 100 people who sign up!
Can't wait? Want to get the benefits of implementing Lean Thinking in your organization NOW! Call us. We're here to help!
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Is this you? Is your day so jamb packed that you don't have time to do anything but fight fires? Want to make improvements, but don't know where to start? Is your company improvement process like swatting flies - one problem after another but never getting to where the flies are coming from? This is the current situation in many businesses in these tough economic times. Heard about Lean, and want to learn the concepts, but don't have the time to read a book or take a course?
Truth be known - if this describes your situation, you NEED to discover Lean Thinking! You don't have time NOT to use this tool. Because hoping things will get better will not work - it never has - it never will! ACTION is the key to change. And its very hard working ON your business while you are working IN your business.
What do you need to implement lean in your organization?
1. A Change Agent
2. A Core Knowledge of Lean
3. Crisis for Lever of Change
4. Determination to IMPLEMENT radical improvement
With this formula, you are virtually guaranteed success!
You may just need a little help along the way. We're here to help!
So what can you expect with a lean implementation? How about step change improvement in; Order-to-delivery time (like 30% improvement in 6 months), Inventory reduction (30% in 6 months), Throughput increase (20-50% in 6 months), On time delivery improvement (90% in 6 months). Would these kind of results be of interest to you? We should talk! These are TYPICAL results that we see clients achieve with a structured and disciplined approach to lean implementation.
So what is this lean all about? Eliminating waste and streamlining processes by focussing on value as defined from your customer. Its that simple, and that tough to implement! Lean has to be a total commitment. Successful practitioners use it to change the entire culture of their organizations.
Want the readers digest version of lean thinking? NBI has teamed up with OEM to provide the Lean 101 on-line course to you for just $99.00. That is a whopping 85% OFF the regular price of $699.
To take advantage of this offer, visit our website at http://www.leanjourney.ca and enter the code "lean101" in the "get it" box. We'll give you a coupon code to get the Lean 101 on-line course for just $99.00. Act fast - registration at this price is limited to the first 100 people who sign up!
Can't wait? Want to get the benefits of implementing Lean Thinking in your organization NOW! Call us. We're here to help!
Norm
www.normanbain.com
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A quick Lean Simulation for your team!
The beauty of lean thinking is that the concepts are so simple, yet so powerful. A comment I often hear is “it’s just common sense … it can’t be this simple”.
I ran across a quick and easy Lean Thinking demonstration that can be used in the board room for your leadership team, or as a quick kickoff to a kaizen event. In the space of a few minutes, it provides a powerful demonstration of lean concepts and tools. This can be very useful in engaging the team. Engaging the team is one of the key factors in ensuring a successful lean implementation.
Here is how it works, step by step;
Have your team stand around the room, facing each other, as they would seated around a table.
Toss one tennis ball to a team member. When they catch it, instruct them to toss it to another team member in the room who has not as yet touched the ball. Repeat this process until all of your team members have caught and tossed the ball.
This routing of the ball becomes the process. Instruct your team that this sequence must be followed without changing the position of your team players or the routing of the ball.
Next ... Visit the website leanjourney.ca and enter the phrase "3balls" in the "get it" box for the rest of the instructions.
Best success on your lean journey!
Norm
www.normanbain.com
I ran across a quick and easy Lean Thinking demonstration that can be used in the board room for your leadership team, or as a quick kickoff to a kaizen event. In the space of a few minutes, it provides a powerful demonstration of lean concepts and tools. This can be very useful in engaging the team. Engaging the team is one of the key factors in ensuring a successful lean implementation.
Here is how it works, step by step;
Have your team stand around the room, facing each other, as they would seated around a table.
Toss one tennis ball to a team member. When they catch it, instruct them to toss it to another team member in the room who has not as yet touched the ball. Repeat this process until all of your team members have caught and tossed the ball.
This routing of the ball becomes the process. Instruct your team that this sequence must be followed without changing the position of your team players or the routing of the ball.
Next ... Visit the website leanjourney.ca and enter the phrase "3balls" in the "get it" box for the rest of the instructions.
Best success on your lean journey!
Norm
www.normanbain.com
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