kaizen

EP# 053: One Small Step Can Change Your Life

EP# 053: One Small Step Can Change Your Life

This episode discusses the book One Small Step Can Change Your Life written by psychologist and kaizen expert Dr. Robert Maurer. The book outlines ways individuals can take small steps to achieve large goals; i.e, adopting the principles of kaizen for personal improvement. The seven steps outlined in the book allow individuals to develop new habits through simple, small methods. Dr. Maurer provides a clear and simple method for individuals to slowly build their confidence and overcome fear to achieve large, often insurmountable-seeming goals.

Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning "change for the better" or "continuous improvement." It was popularized due to the success of Toyota which utilized kaizen to create some of the world’s most dependable vehicles, while improving every aspect of the organization for industry-leading profits. This business philosophy involves all employees to continuously improve operations. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process, unlike innovation that often is seen as a large, impactful change that happens quickly. Kaizen is more akin to small, incremental improvements that combine for massive changes.

EP# 036: Simplicity

EP# 036: Simplicity

Simplicity takes effort and motivation. Simplicity needs to become part of an organization’s culture. Complexity creates inefficiencies, waste, and wasted mental energy. Knowing what to pay attention to and what to ignore is the critical steps toward simplicity.

Never forget, “keep it simple and good things will happen”. Focus on problems, use creative thinking, and most importantly use common sense. Listen more than you speak and fully understand the situation. Simplicity is hard, but necessary as the global business environment becomes increasingly complicated and ambiguous. Having the mental courage and flexibility to simplify your world, takes a strong mindset so practice and do not give up. Remember, everything can and should be simplified.

EP# 029: OTC: Achieve the Impossible

EP# 029: OTC: Achieve the Impossible

Innovation is the lifeblood of an economy. Every one of us needs to continually improve ourselves and the world around us. Developing new, fresh ideas is vital as the world goes though monumental change in terms of socio-economic forces and rapidly changing technology. The goal of innovation should not solely be profit, but most importantly a way to improve the lives of others. 

This episode is a high-level overview of innovation and why everyone must innovate, every day. To truly change the world we must overcome the status quo and dogma. We must have laser-like focus and the ability to visualize our future. With the proper tools and techniques, along with an attitude and mindset of optimism, positivity, and passion, we can (and must) change the world, for the better.

EP# 018: The History of Toyota (Part II)

EP# 018: The History of Toyota (Part II)

Toyota influenced many organizations around the world and created the foundation of modern manufacturing. Toyota is the world’s most valuable automaker with a market cap of $200 billion and $50 billion in cash.

Part II of this two-part episode focuses on the Toyota Production System and its key elements. The Toyota Production System is based on continuous improvement and identifying problem areas first-hand. In addition, the Toyota Production System is the basis for current lean manufacturing. Also known as the Thinking People System, the Toyota Production System is about empowering every employee, at every level of the organization to continually improve themselves and the organization.

EP# 017: The History of Toyota (Part I)

EP# 017: The History of Toyota (Part I)

Toyota influenced many organizations around the world and created the foundation of modern manufacturing. Toyota is the world’s most valuable automaker with a market cap of $200 billion and $50 billion in cash.

Part I of this two-part episode focuses on the origins of the company from its founder Sakichi Toyoda, to the founder of the motor company, his eldest son Kiichiro Toyoda, a review of the Toyota Motor Co., and the father of the Toyota Production System, Taiichi Ohno.