Here is LeanBlog Podcast #11, once again with Norman Bodek of PCS Press and the author of many books, including Kaikaku: The Power and Magic of Lean. In this Podcast, we discuss a topic posed by a podcast listener, Bruce…
Here is LeanBlog Podcast #7, a new discussion with our friend Norman Bodek, President of PCS Press and the author of many books, including Kaikaku: The Power and Magic of Lean. In this Podcast, we discuss Toyota’s response to recent…
Here is the second LeanBlog Podcast, featuring author and consultant Norman Bodek, President of PCS Press. The first one can be found here and you can visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or…
In the first-ever Lean Blog Podcast, Mark Graban talks with Norm Bodek about quick and easy Kaizen and how it differs from large, event-based improvement efforts. Bodek explains how simple, employee-led improvements–supported by trust, experimentation, and respect for people–can make…
Industry 2.0 : Lean Mantras This is more “Blog news” than “lean news”, but my Q&A with Norm Bodek has been reprinted (with my permission) in an Indian business magazine (print and web). Please check out my main blog page…
Kaikaku (Norm’s blog) Check out Norman’s blog for a review of his upcoming book, “Rebirth of American Industry.” I should be getting a copy soon and will post a review (although my backlog of lean books is growing). I haven’t…
TL;DR: In Part 2 of this interview, the late Norman Bodek explains why Lean fails when leaders cling to control. Drawing on Toyota examples and “Quick & Easy Kaizen,” he argues that long-term success comes from developing people, trusting teams,…
Look for Part 2 of my interview with Norm Bodek, coming later today. I’ve enjoyed his recent book, Kaikaku. It’s written as a series of essays and short vignettes, very powerful stuff, especially Mr. Bodek’s writing about working with the…
TL;DR:The late Norman Bodek argues that Lean fails not due to poor workers or missing tools, but because management systems prioritize short-term results over developing people. Toyota’s real advantage, he says, is its long-term commitment to respect, learning, and empowering…
Kaikaku Norman Bodek now has a lean blog, the link is above. I conducted an interview with Mr. Bodek last week. I’m hoping to get that posted here on my blog over the weekend or early next week. Please check…
When the door from the office area opened onto the production floor at Toyota’s plant in Durban, South Africa, I heard a familiar sound from other Toyota plants I’ve visited: the andon music. Earlier this month, before speaking at the…
The kaizen board held a couple dozen sheets. Each one numbered, each one stamped “jisshi-zumi” — already done. A board full of carried-out improvements is a strong sign in any factory, in any country. But that wasn’t the part that…
