In episode 100, I share a segment of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course I conducted, where I went into details about the Fishbone Diagram and the 6 M's, and I thought you might find it useful. When you are trying to uncover possible causes of a problem, using the 6 M's with a Fishbone Diagram is a great way to enhance your team brainstorming, and methodically narrow down the causes through a process of elimination. I've also posted a video of the slides I presented, if you want to see the graphics and gain more insights from what I shared. Links Video "How 6 M's and Fishbone (Ishika ..read more

In episode 97, we released an excerpt by Elisabeth Swan from "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)" This is an excerpt from the audiobook version Volume 1. I share the story of running a small nonprofit organization in Portland, called Recycling Advocates (now called Waste-free Advocates). We created a fundraiser conference called Zero Waste Conference, to promote the reduction of items going to the landfill. I was able to incorporate some Lean and Six Sigma principles to the event planning to prevent issues like parking confusion, sign-in delays, seating charts, pre ..read more

In this podcast, I expand on Podcast #96, where I talked about the questions to consider in a training and coaching program. I go through 6 different case studies of customized training and coaching programs I've helped develop with clients to meet their specific needs, and how the payback on training is often as short as a few months! If you'd like to get a quote for some training options, ⁠fill out this training request form⁠, and we'll be in touch, or contact me at ⁠⁠⁠brion@biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠ Links ⁠Article: What is the best option for our company to receive the most effective Lean Six Sigma T ..read more

This is an excerpt from the audiobook version of "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)" Elisabeth Swan shares the story of volunteering with the Cape Cod Childcare Development nonprofit organization. She discusses getting a call from the CEO to help the organization utilize more Lean Six Sigma Green Belt skills and methods within the organization. In one of the examples highlighted in her chapter, she shares how they reviewed their expenses and processes, and managed to update the ordering process, consolidate vendors, reduce the number of steps involved in getting s ..read more

When I talk to clients about training their team, that usually opens up a lot of questions in my mind that we'll need to discuss before I can give them a ballpark number quote. In this podcast, I run through the questions you need to consider in order to create an effective training program that will result in hands-on application and payback on the investment, while keeping the costs minimal. If you'd like to get a quote for some training options, fill out this training request form, and we'll be in touch, or contact me at ⁠⁠brion@biz-pi.com⁠⁠ Links Article: What is the best option for our ..read more

To explain the concepts of hypothesis testing (null and alternative hypothesis statements), I use an example of James Bond. His famous line is "shaken, not stirred" when ordering a martini. In a hypothesis test, we would set the null (default) hypothesis to say that he cannot tell the difference. The alternative hypothesis would be proven if there was data showing he could tell the difference (better than guessing or chance). Hope this helps you understand the concept of hypothesis testing a little more clearly. Are you interested? Contact me at ⁠brion@biz-pi.com⁠ Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need hel ..read more

Back in 2020, I created a course called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" and I'm offering a free coaching program this month to help you complete the course and get help implementing the concepts into your personal life. Are you interested? Contact me at brion@biz-pi.com Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques (Video course) Podcast episodes #50-56 (Audio version of course) E50: "Lean at Home" Course - Introduction: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E50-Lean-at-Home-Course---Introduction-e1f5r ..read more

In one of my recent Six Sigma classes, I provide a simplistic explanation of SPC and control charts, and why they are essential to detecting problems quickly in your processes. If you're interested in learning more about SPC, check out the link below. Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPC Module within Six Sigma Green Belt Training ⁠Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program⁠⁠ Need help in your organization? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let's talk! Schedule a free support call⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S g ..read more

In one of my recent Lean classes, I discuss the difference between planning kaizen events and working kaizen events. Planning events end up with a 90-day implemenatation plan. Working events end up with 80% completion of actions by the end of the event, with 30 days to complete the remaining 20% of the actions. I try and encourage more working sessions, but planning is sometimes really important to decide where to focus the working sessions in the future. To better understand this podcast, watch the State of Washington VSM video (about 10 minutes). Links ⁠⁠A Glimpse into a Value Stream Map ..read more

In one of my recent Lean classes, I discuss ways to engage front line workers in working kaizen events. I talk about the differences between working and planning sessions in my last podcast. I discuss options for working ahead, catching up afterwards, having half-day sessions (half kaizen, half working), splitting the event across many shifts, and having the leads and supervisors participate but checking in with the workers frequently. Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program⁠⁠ Need help in your organization? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let's talk! Schedule a free support call⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Sponsor: Creati ..read more