Jamie prompted me that we were reaching a milestone on the Lean Blog. This little post here is #1000 since I started this in January 2005. That’s about a rate of two posts per day — articles I’ve linked to, things I’ve compained about or lamented, successes and inspirations I’ve tried to share.

As I mentioned back at the one-year point. I would have never realized how many interesting people I would meet through this blog. Thanks to the many frequent visitors and friends of the blog: posters Luke, Mark E., Jamie, Mike, and Bill. I also appreciate the network of “Lean Bloggers” out there, including Bill, Jon, John, Kevin, Mike, Joe, and now Norm, and the “Lean Podcasters”, Ken and Dwight.

I appreciate those who have thanked me for the blog or the podcast. It really has been my pleasure, my attempt to give something back to the lean world that I have learned so much from. In the course of trying to give back, I’ve learned a ton. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll realize (I hope) that this blog isn’t about me bragging about what I know — it’s about my lean learning journey, trying to understand more about lean and its potential impact on the world around us. I’m honored that so many of you have visited the blog and have shared your stories and comments, joining in the learning.

In the spirit of reflection and continuous improvement, let me know if you have any suggestions for the blog, the podcast, or new ideas for online lean communities and experiences. As people actively working with lean, I hope we can continue to share ideas and to help each other out in our lean journeys. I know some of us might feel “alone” (lean wise) in our workplaces (i’ve been in that position before, not now thankfully) and the internet can be a good way to find lean colleagues and support that we might not get in person.

About LeanBlog.org: Mark Graban is a consultant, author, and speaker in the “lean healthcare” methodology, focused on improving quality and patient safety, improving access, reducing costs, and fully engaging healthcare professionals. He is also the Chief Improvement Officer for KaiNexus.