Tag: Problem Solving

Problem Solving, Scientific Thinking, and Lean Leadership

Effective problem solving is not about quick decisions, templates, or expert opinions—it’s about shared understanding, scientific thinking, and learning at the system level. These posts explore how leaders and teams approach real problems in complex environments, from executive decision-making to daily improvement work.

Drawing on Lean thinking, Toyota practices, healthcare, manufacturing, and knowledge work, this archive emphasizes problem-solving as a leadership capability: asking better questions, testing assumptions, and building systems that make problems visible instead of hidden.

The Most Misunderstood Role in the Toyota Production System

0
Jamie Bonini described a person who looks like 25% overhead to a finance team -- but without whom the entire Toyota Production System falls...

Problem-Seeing Eyes Are Everywhere. Problem-Speaking Mouths Are Rare.

3
TL;DR: Organizations invest in teaching people to see problems and solve problems -- but skip the middle step: making it safe and worthwhile to...

Are Executive Teams Solving Problems — or Just Making Decisions?

0
Many executive teams move quickly to decisions but skip the shared learning needed to solve complex problems for good. This post explores a working...

How Don Kieffer Applies Toyota Thinking to Modern Knowledge Work

0
Why do so many Lean efforts fail in offices, engineering, and executive work? In this episode, Don Kieffer explains why copying Toyota's rituals misses...

Ryan McCormack’s Operational Excellence Mixtape: November 28, 2025

0
This edition of Ryan McCormack's Operational Excellence Mixtape highlights practical thinking on value creation, continuous improvement, and leadership in an AI-influenced world. From empowering...

Lean Coffee Talk #4: Crossover Event with the Just-in-Time Cafe: Daily...

0
Listen: In Season 2, Episode 4, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh are joined by the hosts of the Just-in-Time Cafe podcast, Elisabeth Swan and Tracy...

Coaching Relentless Problem Solvers and Building a Culture of Lean Thinking...

0
Scroll down for how to subscribe, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #532 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Anne Frewin, a seasoned...

Melisa Buie on Lean Culture, Scientific Thinking, and Empowering Engineers

0
Scroll down for how to subscribe, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #531 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dr. Melisa Buie, a...

What’s Your Organization’s Real Mistake Policy? [Poll]

0
Your organization already has a mistake policy--it just might not be the one you think it is. Most companies say they support learning and continuous...

Ryan McCormack’s Operational Excellence Mixtape: June 13, 2025

0
This edition of Ryan McCormack's Operational Excellence Mixtape explores why real improvement depends on disciplined thinking, leadership habits, and cultural integrity--not slogans or shortcuts....

Ryan McCormack’s Operational Excellence Mixtape: February 21, 2025

0
Thanks, as always, to Ryan McCormack for this. He always shares so much good reading, listening, and viewing here! Subscribe to get these directly...

Forget the Template: Why Lean Success Depends on Scientific Thinking and...

1
Lean succeeds when people focus on scientific thinking and action, not perfect templates. A3s, hoshin kanri, and other tools only work when they support...
An AI that won't just give you the answer. That's what makes it useful.Try the Lean Coach -- Free Demo
+ +
Free 48-hour demo - no credit card needed (3)