Books shape how we think about leadership, improvement, and learning—but only if we reflect on them and apply their lessons thoughtfully. This archive includes blog posts and podcast episodes about Lean, healthcare, leadership, mistakes, psychological safety, and continuous improvement, including reflections on my own books and conversations with authors whose work has influenced how organizations build better systems and cultures.
Jeffrey Liker explains why Toyota’s success is rooted in culture, leadership, and deep respect for people–not Lean tools. This episode explores the human systems behind the Toyota Way and why real Lean transformation takes years, not days. Here is LeanBlog…
Listen: LeanBlog Podcast #36 once again features our friend and frequent guest, Norman Bodek, noted lean author, consultant, and President of PCS Press. In this episode, Norman talks about his most recent publication, a text by the legendary Shigeo Shingo,…
I’ve read the first chapter of Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way. I’m obviously not going to get through the whole thing before my podcast interview with Jeff Liker tomorrow. If you have questions for the…
Listen: LeanBlog Podcast #34 is a discussion with Chris Harris, from Harris Lean Systems, and co-author of the book Developing a Lean Workforce: A Guide for Human Resources, Plant Managers and Lean Coordinators. If you enjoy this podcast, I hope…
Jeffrey Liker’s new book on Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way is out. I’m getting a copy on Tuesday and hope to post a review ASAP. If anyone else is reading it, feel free to share…
Just an update for those who were following the progress of my book on “Lean Hospitals.” It’s done! I have submitted the manuscript to the publisher (Productivity Press, a division of Taylor & Francis). UPDATE (7/9/08): The book is due…
Review By Mike Gardner, TPM Blog Name of the Book: How Toyota Became #1 Author: David Magee Publication Date: 2007 Book description: David Magee interviewed current and former Toyota executives in the United States and Japan in order to understand…
The following is a message from Norman Bodek, printed with his permission. —————————– Dear Lean Blog readers, Dr. Shingo was the co-discover of TPS A NEW SHIGEO SHINGO BOOK November 9, 2007 Vancouver, Washington Announcing a new hardcover Shigeo Shingo…
Kaizen & the Art of Creative Thinking: Enna I just had a nice conversation with Norman Bodek, which I’ll be turning into a series of Podcast episodes as time allows. One exciting tidbit he shared with me is the publication…
I’ve mentioned this book before, coming out Nov 1, it’s called How Toyota Became #1: Leadership Lessons from the World’s Greatest Car Company. I had the exciting chance to have dinner tonight with the author, David Magee. I have, in…
Business Week Article Here is a new article from Business Week, which also focuses on the upcoming book How Toyota Became #1: Leadership Lessons from the World’s Greatest Car Company. I’m going to have a chance to meet the author,…
I think I’ve mentioned this resource before, the free content that is online in Google Books. Even though I own Taiichi Ohno’s book Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production, but it so much easier to search the book online. You…
