If your organization blocks access to YouTube… shame on them. The videos I'm sharing here are two reasons you should insist they open access to the world of Lean healthcare education that exists there.
Today, I'm sharing two videos produced by the University of Michigan Health System about “Lean in Daily Work.” Their approach builds on the scientific problem solving approaches that are embedded deeply in the Toyota-based Lean methodology and philosophy.
Highlights of their management methods include:
- Daily (or by shift) team huddles
- Daily management “gemba walks” for recognition and problem identification / improvement (this is done weekly or monthly by higher levels of leadership
- Problem solving (in the form of increasingly complex “just do its,” Everyday Lean Idea” forms, and A3 problem solving)
The videos:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Great quote (said in a collaborative supportive way, not pointing fingers at employees):
“If you can't find problems… that's a problem.”
That's very Toyota-like. See this post.
You can see, at eight minutes into the 2nd video, some examples of their “Everyday Lean Ideas,” which are a lot like Norman Bodek's “quick and easy kaizen” and methods shared in my book Healthcare Kaizen.
One example:
Better for patients (customers), better for staff… better for the University of Michigan Health System.
Great work.
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Let’s work together to build a culture of continuous improvement and psychological safety. If you're a leader looking to create lasting change—not just projects—I help organizations:
- Engage people at all levels in sustainable improvement
- Shift from fear of mistakes to learning from them
- Apply Lean thinking in practical, people-centered ways
Interested in coaching or a keynote talk? Let’s start a conversation.
