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Ray Zinn on Learning from Mistakes — and Why “Fail Fast, Fail Often” Misses the Point

Mark Graban - February 1, 2026

1981 newspaper headlines showing mixed reactions to Ford and UAW learning from Japanese auto plants

What Ford and the UAW Saw in Japan in 1981 — and Why...

Mark Graban - January 28, 2026

Automated valet request process contrasted with personal hotel valet service, highlighting added steps and waste.

When “AI Improvement” Adds Waste Instead of Value: A Hotel Valet Example

Mark Graban - January 28, 2026

lean blame toyota learning mistakes japan graban

You Can’t Punish Your Way to Pride: Deming, Toyota, and Learning from Mistakes

Mark Graban - January 27, 2026

grocery store hourly cleaning standard work

Why Public Address Announcements Aren’t a Substitute for Management

Mark Graban - January 26, 2026

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All posts from Mark Graban's LeanBlog.org, including podcasts, announcements, articles, and more.

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Muda = "Stupid-Nothing"??

Mark Graban - November 25, 2005 0

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‘Roger & Me’ all over again

Luke Van Dongen - November 23, 2005 0

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Skilled Worker Shortage – Only for "Bad" Companies?

Mark Graban - November 23, 2005 0

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Toyota Quickens Quest to Unseat GM

Mark Graban - November 23, 2005 2

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Toyota plant halted after fire

Mark Graban - November 23, 2005 0

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Quelling Command and Control Thinking

Mark Graban - November 22, 2005 1

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Can the value of a process be defined by its output?

Luke Van Dongen - November 22, 2005 4

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Getting Xbox 360 to market requires coordination

Mark Graban - November 22, 2005 2

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"Lean Across the Air Force"

Mark Graban - November 21, 2005 2

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More on Peter Drucker

Luke Van Dongen - November 20, 2005 0

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The Man Who Invented Management

Mark Graban - November 19, 2005 0

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Book Review: Creating a Lean Culture

Mark Graban - November 16, 2005 2

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ramesh nair on What Ford and the UAW Saw in Japan in 1981 — and Why Some Leaders Missed the LessonJanuary 30, 2026
Thank you Mark for another insightful portrayal of the philosophy behind TPS & again driving home the points that more…
William Brew on Lean Is for Speed, Six Sigma Is for Quality? That’s a False Trade-Off.January 27, 2026
Referring to the meme "when someone says lean is for speed and six sigma is for quality," you can take…
Jack Benedict on You Can’t Punish Your Way to Pride: Deming, Toyota, and Learning from MistakesJanuary 27, 2026
This blog was very interesting and informative. While reading this, I learned how important respect and psychological safety are to…
Mark Graban on Inside the 1987 NUMMI Management Practices Executive Summary: Why Leadership Mattered More Than Lean ToolsJanuary 27, 2026
I’m not sure if it’s OK to share the entire document. It’s marked GM confidential. I might need to look…
Zachary Capen on Why Public Address Announcements Aren’t a Substitute for ManagementJanuary 26, 2026
I found the comparison of PA announcements to be a careful sign very interesting. What stood out the most to…

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Ray Zinn on Learning from Mistakes — and Why “Fail Fast,...

February 1, 2026

What Ford and the UAW Saw in Japan in 1981 —...

January 28, 2026

When “AI Improvement” Adds Waste Instead of Value: A Hotel Valet...

January 28, 2026

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