Podcast #302 – Katie Anderson on Japan: Standard Work, Customers, and Healthcare

My guest for Episode #302 is Katie Anderson, following up on her last appearances in Episode #233 (when she was living in Japan) and Episode #275 (after she returned to the U.S.).

Today, we're chatting because I've just returned from a short trip to Japan and Katie's going back in May (and you can join her).

We're sharing observations and reflections on topics ranging from standardized work to Kaizen. Would it be easier to “implement Lean” (or whatever term you'd use) if you're a Japanese organization? And what are some of the approaches you see with quality improvement and Lean in Japan's hospitals?

Our conversation also meanders into topics like eating sushi and more.

Streaming Player (Run Time 43:56)

For a link to this episode, refer people to www.leanblog.org/302.

Topics and Links for this Episode:

• Katie's website and blog

• Follow Katie on Twitter as @kbjanderson

• Find Katie on LinkedIn

• The trip to Japan that Katie is helping the Ohio State MBOE program lead
• Is Lean easier if you're a Japanese organization?
• “Not every company is Toyota.”
  • Katie's post A reminder from a recent visit to Japan: Lean is not inherently Japanese
• Following rules and standard work
  • My post on this topic
• Carrying trash around
• The two meanings of “kata”
• The book Behind the Japanese Bow
• Customer focus / obsessions
  • Katie's post Only in Japan! – 3 stories of Japanese “omotenashi”, service and respect in 1 day
  • My post with a few stories about honoring the customer
• Approaches that different hospitals take with TQM and Lean in Japan

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. Please leave us a review and rating!

Thanks for listening!

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Mark Graban

Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.

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