Lean Six Sigma Bursts — E26: Common Data Types for your Process
In process improvement, there is a strong focus of data. But in order to analyze data for an improvement project, you need to know what type of data you have …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts — E25: Why do we need 30 data samples?
I saw a recent question in a forum, asking about the origin of the sample size of 30 data points. I decided to read you the response I gave, and …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts — E24: Top 3 things to validate before removing test or inspection steps
I share an article I wrote back in Dec 2013 about reducing or eliminating test or inspection steps using Six Sigma analysis methods of capability and stability, along with risk …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E23: What is the Lean Communicators network?
I share an interview I did with Mark Graban about why I created this podcast. He included me in a new networking group called Lean Communicators. We are a group …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E22: Why calculating Median can be better than a Mean or Average
Most people calculate the average when summarizing data, but what about the median? The median is not as sensitive to outliers and skewed data, and can be a better indicator …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E21: What is the Hawthorne Effect and does it explain temporary improvements?
Do you see problems recur later after all the attention has gone away? That could be the Hawthorne Effect at work, which can create confusion on whether your improvements are …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E20: Why I like using the Ideal State Mapping approach
When I facilitate mapping events, after completing the current state map and before we create the future state map, I like to first walk the team through an ideal state …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E19: Typical Ground Rules for Your Next Lean Kaizen Blitz or Kaikaku Event
Ground rules are an important element of running a successful process improvement event (called Kaizen Blitz or Kaikaku events). In this podcast, I share a compiled list of rules that …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E18: Does Jon Taffer of “Bar Rescue” Practice Lean?
During some recent travel, my wife and I ended up watching multiple episodes of “Bar Rescue.” I’ve watched the show for many years, so I re-watched it with a new …
Lean Six Sigma Bursts: E17: Writing a Book in Small Batches with LeanPub
I discuss the Lean approach to writing a book, which is how I published my first 2.5 books. LeanPub.com allows you to write and publish your book for free and …