For episode #236, things are a little different than usual. Today, I wanted to share a video discussion between my friends Ted Stiles and John Toussaint, MD.
Ted is a partner with the recruiting firm Stiles & Associates. John, of course, is the president of the ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value and has been a frequent guest in my podcast series.
John's most recent book is Management on the Mend, which we discussed in episode #225.
Streaming Player (Run Time 45:05)
For a link to this episode, refer people to www.leanblog.org/236.
For earlier episodes of my podcast, visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS, through Android apps, or via Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe and listen via Stitcher.
Here is the video of their discussion:
Thanks to Ted and John for sharing it.
Some topics and quotes:
- Payment reform
- Tools vs principles
- Evolution of the ThedaCare center
'It's unacceptable that this industry is hurting and killing people' - John Toussaint, MD Share on X
'You can't delegate the leadership aspects of Lean. You have to be directly involved as CEO.' - John Toussaint, MD Share on X
- From tools and projects to management system and culture
- Leading with humility
'I see a lot of CEOs just sitting their office... They don't have a clue about their business. It's actually your job to understand the business.' Share on X
'Staff need the power to solve problems every day. The CEOs job is to support those staff members.' Share on X
- Why 55 true north metrics is a bad idea
- Starting with a model cell
- The role of the “central improvement office”
- Many CEOs don't know what they don't know
- You have to bring in people who have experience with Lean
- Then your goal is to build your own system so you don't need outside help
- VA endorses Lean and CMS endorses Lean
Other Videos with John Toussaint, M.D.:
A playlist of four videos:
Please scroll down (or click) to post a comment. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
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.
