Archive for February 2023
ThePower of People: Adapting to Changing Times
CASE STUDY – A people-centric approach to work, improvement, and the adoption of automation is allowing this Norwegian company to thrive in a changing industry and environment. Words: Eivind Reke with Håvard Buhaug In 1861, a Swede named Göran Fredrik Göransson figured out how to industrialize steel production with the Bessemer method. Almost overnight, the…
Read MoreLean, Our “Breda” and Butter
BOOK EXCERPT – The city of Breda in the Netherlands has been on a lean journey for the past six years. Today we share an excerpt from the book The Lean Government, which sets the scene for the transformation. Words: Erik Ottens A snowstorm of confetti enveloped the people watching the parade. The tall floats…
Read MoreWhy Is TPS So Smart?
FEATURE – A real understanding of Lean Thinking can only stem from an exploration of its tacit aspects, not just its most explicit, easy-to-grasp elements. Words: Michael Ballé and Alice Mathieu “We know more than we can tell.” In the early 1960s, Michael Polanyi opened our eyes to the reality that much of human knowledge…
Read MoreWhy is Culture So Important?
Vince Lombardi was a famous American professional football coach, whose team won five National Football League (NFL) Championships in seven years in addition to winning the first two Super Bowls. One of my favorite Lombardi quotes is: “Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing…
Read MoreWhy Transformation Projects Fail
“Why do projects fail?” Whether you are a certified professional or just an accidental project manager – you’ve heard and answered this question before. Indeed, for as long as I remember myself, this subject has been so dear to the public at large that every business magazine and website would offer their recommendations. Google for…
Read MoreBreaking the Silence
FEATURE – By changing its attitude towards problems and welcoming them as opportunities to learn, this Colombian construction company has turned around its culture. Words: Ángela Bayona and Ivonne Paola Patiño In Constructora Bolívar, silence is our worst enemy. Although certain types of silence are good, others are worrisome – especially those that stem from…
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