There is no reason to let the lack of measurements get in the way of starting improving activities. I was reading an eWeek essay by Peter Coffee, Counting the Ways, that got me thinking about the 6σ approach to improvement. That approach is basically data-driven. Without measurements there are no improvements. Coffee said,

"Most businesses have no idea what they spend on unproductive hours."

And we know unproductive hours — waste — exists everywhere. What can you do? Start with the Last Planner System®.

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Read one to three more pages each day.

My day is busy. Waaay too busy. Yet I make time to read. I didn't always read. In fact, before college I didn't read anything. Once I got out of college I remember saying, "Thank God I don't have to read anymore." It was 12 – 15 years later that I took up reading again. It was in spurts. We had started our family — three boys — they were and continue to be a handful. Sometimes I would read a novel. Other times I'd just read a few news magazines. Eventually, I got in the habit of reading at least one book each month. I'm glad I did. I now read much more than that. Read the rest of this entry »

It's been almost two years since Tom Peters claimed kaizen was dangerous. Now Silk and Spinach takes up the opposition, Kaizen Considered Harmful.

"Kaizen frees the hands of the innovator. And to think that sloppy processes can support rapid innovation is dangerous advice, Tom."

As Norman Bodek says, "Kaizen is a numbers game." The companies that embrace continuous improvement will eventually rise to the top. Learn more about taking small steps.

Each year Industry Week (IW) profiles the best manufacturers. The recent years's lists have been dominated by firms employing lean approaches. Batesville Caskets is one of those firms, A Daily Routine of Continuous Improvement. In addition to their build just what is ordered and their commitment to continuous flow manufacturing, Batesville has become a benchmark company for many different manufacturers based on their commitment to kaizen. Read the rest of this entry »

Replacing just one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) will make a big difference, especially if everyone did that.  It would reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road, or not burning 29,900 railcars of coal.¹  The impact on the environment is unbelievable.  You can't make a better economic investment for your home.  Replacing one bulb is estimated to save you $66 over the lifetime of the CFL.  I replaced three bulbs with CFLs last year.²  I'll replace another six this month.  I hope you join me.

1. See Fast Company How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change the World? One. And You're Looking at It [back]
2. Will Wal-Mart Change the World Selling CFLs? Let’s Wonder… [back]