TL;DR:Single webinar numbers and year-over-year averages often distort reality. By using run charts and Process Behavior Charts, you can separate signal from noise, avoid overreaction, and make better decisions about growth, capacity, and investment. I manage KaiNexus’s webinar program, which…
My guest for Episode #353 of the podcast is somebody whose work I’ve appreciated for a long time — Quint Studer. I was first introduced to his book Hardwiring Excellence back in 2005 and I’ve been following his work (and…
TL;DR: A single-season drop in NFL field goal accuracy does not automatically mean kickers are “regressing.” Using Process Behavior Charts shows whether the change is meaningful or just normal variation–and why year-to-year overreaction often misses the real story. The Claim:…
Real-time feedback isn’t just for younger employees. What people of any generation want is timely, fair information they can learn from. The real risk isn’t fast feedback–it’s overreacting to normal variation. Leaders should provide frequent data and teach people how…
tl;dr: I recently returned from my first visit to Brazil, where I spoke at a Lean Six Sigma conference, led a workshop on Process Behavior Charts, and visited two organizations applying Lean principles. From churrascarias to Gemba walks, this trip…
tl;dr: Headlines say Tom Brady is declining because a few stats have dropped, but Process Behavior Charts show his performance is still within routine variation over his career. Without a true signal, reacting to short-term “trends” is misleading–in sports and…
My guest for Episode #345 is Edward Niedermeyer, author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors. The book offers a deeply reported look at Tesla’s history, strategy, and culture–and why manufacturing and leadership still matter. Ed is Senior Editor…
TL;DR: Gordon Deal and Mark Graban discuss why leaders overreact to routine ups and downs in metrics-and how Process Behavior Charts help filter noise, identify real signals, and improve decisions without wasted effort or stress. Why Leaders Overreact to Metrics…
TL;DR: Before-and-after comparisons hide variation and invite overreaction. Control charts–especially Process Behavior Charts–show whether a system has truly changed, help leaders distinguish noise from signals, and provide clearer evidence of sustained improvement. I attended the IHI National Forum a few…
After the paperback launch of my book Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More, many of you have asked, “What are you writing next?” No really, some of you have asked this. I’ve given this a lot of…
TL;DR: Daily weight changes are mostly noise, not signals. By understanding normal variation–using Process Behavior Charts–you can weigh yourself regularly without overreacting, panicking, or making unnecessary changes. The same thinking helps leaders react less and improve more at work, too.…
Apparently, we’re at the time of year when companies send you the “we’re sorry, but we’re forced to raise prices” letter or email. Nobody is forced to raise prices. It’s always a choice. Yes, it’s a choice. Case: Home Alarm…
