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.

Reader Question: Support and “First Responders” for Healthcare Professionals

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Here is a new reader question from Steve Palmreuter in Michigan. He raises a topic that I've been thinking about lately, so I'm happy...

Reader Question: Rapid Response Teams (Oops, We Don’t Have the Items)

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I received an email from a reader that I'm sharing and commenting on with permission. "Dear Mark: I am a lean coordinator for a manufacturing...

A First-Person Lean Leadership Story from John Toussaint, MD

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I've had the pleasure to work with Dr. John Toussaint, CEO of the ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value, over the past year.  John's...

Guest Post: What Makes a Successful Lean Environment?

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Mark's note: Today's post is from a relatively new friend of my blog, introduced initially through our mutual friend, Jamie Flinchbaugh. Ankit Patel, today's...

Guest Post: Lean Lessons from the Non Profit World

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Mark's note: I consider myself very fortunate to have met Patrick Anderson during my journeys in the Lean world. Patrick is the executive director...

It’s All The Same – Leadership Challenges and Organizational Dynamics

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I was able to have a chat with Eric Ries yesterday as we were recording some video of him answering some follow up questions...

Notes on a Talk by Eric Ries at MIT on “Lean...

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One of my goals for the next few weeks is to catch up on blogging about some great speakers I've seen recently. Coming soon,...

Everyone a Problem Solver?

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A phrase I keep hearing more of in the Lean world, even at a few hospitals is that leaders want "everyone to be a...

Some "Like Lean" Thoughts from CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta

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CNN Programs - Anchors/Reporters - Sanjay GuptaI had a very full, interesting week - giving a well-received talk about Lean Healthcare at the Ontario...

Quote from Seth Godin on the Scientific Method

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This was in Inc. magazine, a quote from a favorite of mine, Seth Godin (click on the graphic for a larger, easier to read...

The 5 Whys Only Work When They’re Sequential, Not Scattershot

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tl;dr: Many people misuse the 5 Whys by asking five loosely related questions rather than a sequential chain of cause and effect. Real root...

Jerry Jones is NOT a Lean Thinker, Apparently?

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Giant video board in new Cowboys stadium causes problems for Titans punter - The Huddle - USATODAY.com Are you ready for some football???? OK, so nobody...
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