LeanBlog Podcast #47 – Norman Bodek, his Latest Trip to Japan
Norman Bodek is once again back for episode #47 of the LeanBlog Podcast, talking about his most recent trip to Japan (his 68th trip!). He poses the question, “What can we do to leapfrog Toyota?” Norman asks important questions about how we can help people, in any role, enjoy their work, rather than dreading Mondays. Why does Norman think the Canon photocopier plant he just toured is the best he's ever seen? Why does Norman disagree with the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder”??
For earlier episodes, visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or via Apple Podcasts.
Episode #47 Key Words and Links:
- Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way, recommended by Norman for its discussion of the “respect for people” principle.
- Frederick Taylor and Henry Ford as the fathers of modern industrial engineering — and repetitive work, as opposed to people being master craftsmen. This repetitive work created income for workers who were uneducated, even “if the work was denigrating, boring, and tedious”
- Ideas Are Free: How the Idea Revolution Is Liberating People and Transforming Organizations, by Alan Robinson
- Do 60 or 80% of people “hate” their job? How can we help people enjoy their work?
- What is a “supermeister” in a Canon factory?
If you have feedback on the podcast, or any questions for me or my guests, you can email me at leanpodcast@gmail.com or you can call and leave a voicemail by calling the “Lean Line” at (817) 993-0630 or contact me via Skype id “mgraban”. Please give your location and your first name. Any comments (email or voicemail) might be used in follow ups to the podcast.
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