Jennifer Ayers, Author at NWHPEC

17Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Intro to the Improvement Kata – Jan 26th (Class is FULL)

This class is an experiential introduction to the improvement cycle and coaching cycle of the Toyota Kata, a structured approach to continuous improvement that helps people develop a scientific mindset. How fast can you lay out 24 cards in a precise sequence? You’ll discover that and more in this 2.5-hour program. You will be introduced to a structured improvement cycle that will let you discover how to reach a significant challenge in a series of incremental experiments. Through a series of coaching questions, you will learn how to take a step, make a prediction, observe the outcome and learn from it in a way that can inform your next step. You will leave familiar with these two cycles and a strong appreciation for how they can help you improve just…

17Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Best Practice Sharing: Order Fulfillment – Preparing to Hyper-scale – Jan 19th

Member Sharing, Webinar

Curious about how to utilize Value Stream Mapping in your organization? Join us online on Jan 19th @10am to hear how RealWear value stream mapped their order to invoice process and is using that to create a strategic plan for their order fulfillment growth. In early December, the NWHPEC community came together to learn and apply Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to RealWear’s ‘Order to Invoice’ process. This report out is an opportunity for you to see how the process unfolded, the direction they are heading, and how they are approaching the implementation of improvement ideas generated during the event. The RealWear supply chain team shares why an improvement was needed, the process used to understand the current state, what they learned by mapping the process, and how they intend to…

15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Practical Problem Solving (8-Step)

Application~, Igniting Innovation~, Intermediate~, Solving Problems~

Speciality Workshop Problem Solving is the foundation of Continuous Improvement. The tools within a Lean operating system are designed to identify problems. Do you have standardization and the expertise at all levels of your organization to solve them? The extent that you train and engage your organization in problem solving will ultimately determine your success in the lean journey. Mike Hoseus, co-author of Toyota Culture, will review how a Lean organization establishes their culture for problem solving at all levels. This Executive Forum will highlight the 8-Step systematic problem solving process through examples and case studies in the Overview Session, followed by an optional 2-day hands on Gemba Workshop. The Practical Problem Solving Overview Session is intended for a large audience and is a standalone event. The Problem Solving 2-day…

15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

A3 Thinking

Application~, Developing People~, Intermediate~, Leadership~, Solving Problems~

Speciality Workshop Do you think of an A3 as just a document or form to complete? A3 thinking is much more than that! Solving problems is not a linear process, but rather requires iterative thinking, evidence gathering, analysis, and input from stakeholders. The A3 problem-solving framework, and the thinking it represents, is foundational to the development of a culture of continuous improvement. The practice of A3 thinking develops evidence-based problem solving, fosters communication and consensus among stakeholders, and creates better alignment to strategic goals. The process of A3 thinking and coaching also serves as a method for people development, knowledge sharing and change management. During this two-day interactive workshop taught by Katie Anderson (author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn), you will learn how to more effectively practice A3…

15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

3H Leadership Essentials

Application~, Developing People~, Intermediate~, Leadership~

Lean organizations continue to strive to improve quality, lead time, and cost performance by harnessing the natural problem-solving creativity of all employees on a daily basis. This continued focus on tapping the problem-solving capability of every individual in the organization means leaders still need the skills to not only engage employees’ critical thinking – their “heads” – but, perhaps more importantly, to connect to their fundamental human need for contribution and creativity – their “hearts”. 3H Leadership Essentials – Adaptive Leadership Practices and Behaviors for Engaging the Heart, Head and Hands is a series of 4 focused, 3 ½-hour, remote learning sessions for leaders looking to develop, refine or refresh their foundational leadership skills to connect with both the heads and the hearts of employees. The series learning is grounded…

15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Value Stream Mapping

Application~, Beginner~, Foundational~

This two-day class is beneficial for those looking to learn how to document, analyze and improve the flow of information or materials required to produce a product or service for a customer. We will be mapping a process chosen by our host company, this is not a simulation. This can be applied in manufacturing, office, or service. Key Concepts: Understand how to see the flow of value across a value stream Visualize functional areas of work and how they interact Identify waiting and waste in workflows Resolve misperceptions across different departments Build a description of your desired future state and determine the next best step to get there Pre-requisite: Completion of the Introduction to Lean/Lean 101 class or a similar class/experience is required. Audience: Learners with some lean background and knowledge of…

15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

TWI: Job Relations

Application~, Developing People~, Intermediate~, Leadership~, Solving Problems~

Job Relations Training (JR) teaches how to build positive employee relations, increase cooperation and motivation, and effectively resolve conflicts. The course emphasizes that people must be treated as individuals to provide a foundation for developing and maintaining good relations to prevent problems from arising. JR lays the groundwork for building another layer of stability into your processes, supported by an atmosphere richer in team spirit and collaboration. Job Relations emphasizes “Respect for People”. It trains and coaches supervisors on how to handle problems, how to prevent them from occurring, and, most importantly, it aids in developing a logical, common sense approach to handling issues with a people-centric view. The core elements of the program are proven to inspire consensus building and individual problem solving. Benefits experienced from practicing Job Relations…

Author: Jennifer Ayers