03Jul 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Webinar: Joy in the Workplace – Aug 13th

Webinar: Joy in the Workplace – Aug 13th

Events, Leadership~, Webinar
Overview In today’s fast-paced work environment, achieving a state where work feels as engaging and fulfilling as a hobby is a lofty yet attainable goal. This presentation explores the underlying factors that transform work from a mundane obligation into a source of joy and satisfaction. Central to this transformation is the concept of “flow.” We’ll discuss how the absence of joy is often a signal of underlying waste within processes and systems. Furthermore, we’ll delve into the importance of clear system ownership and thoughtful system design. Effective system design not only supports the elimination of waste but also enhances overall workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction. We will hear about five habits and tools within the Kaas Operating System that help them achieve joy on a daily basis: Kaizen: Literally translated…
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03Jul 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Webinar – Leading Lean: Peer Insights – Sept 30th

Webinar – Leading Lean: Peer Insights – Sept 30th

Member Sharing, Webinar
In this member-to-member sharing session, you'll gain valuable insights directly from four leaders who have navigated the ups and downs of how to become a better leader in order to drive cultural transformation. This interactive webinar is designed to foster an open exchange of ideas, strategies, and practical solutions that you can apply. Make the most of this opportunity to enhance your lean journey with insights from those who have walked the path before you. Together, we can achieve more! Leading Lean Building a culture of continuous improvement is recognized as essential for sustained success. Leadership must focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and psychological safety, encouraging employees at all levels to identify and solve problems. This session goes beyond theory—participants will hear real-world stories of transformation, practical insights into building…
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03Jul 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Lean 101 (6-week virtual series) starts Sept 9th (1 spot left)

Lean 101 (6-week virtual series) starts Sept 9th (1 spot left)

Beginner~, Classes
Lean 101 - Fall 2025 series starting soon... Join us on a journey to discover the basic elements of lean principles and see the impact they make when you put them into practice. This course consists of six, one-hour classes focused on the foundational elements of lean. During this course, you will learn more about the history/background of lean, why these principles are important to creating a culture of excellence, standard work, 8 wastes, 5S, PDCA, and visual management. Each week will include instruction, discussion, and simulations followed by small project assignments between each class to help you practice the concepts in your own environment.Lean 101 is a beginning-level course that teaches participants the basic concepts of Lean Thinking. It is suitable for those who work in office or manufacturing…
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03Jul 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Leader Standard Work – Sept 5th (3 spots left)

Leader Standard Work – Sept 5th (3 spots left)

Beginner~, Classes, Leadership~
Class Description It’s time to learn and apply Leader Standard Work to your daily routine! The true purpose of leadership is to empower and develop your employees so they can achieve awesome things.  To accomplish this, you need a standard way of working that will allow you to maximize your efficiency and impact while fulfilling your most important duty to your people.As the whirlwind takes over our day, we quickly lose control of our priorities.  Once we fall into firefighting mode, our ability to improve and sustain processes and activities becomes secondary.  This is where Leader Standard Work (LSW) comes into play.  LSW is the foundation to creating new leadership habits that will allow you to spend more time listening to your team, developing your team’s problem-solving abilities, and sustaining…
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18Jun 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
The Bench: Lean Coffee – June 20th @1pm

The Bench: Lean Coffee – June 20th @1pm

Benchmark Request, Member Sharing
June Benchmarking Discussion Join us online at The Bench for engaging roundtable discussions where members can connect, collaborate, learn, and share best practices. We’ll dive into specific topics each time we gather. We're jumping online for a Lean Coffee style benchmarking discussion.Leancoffee.org describes this meeting format as "a structured, but agenda-less meeting. Participants gather, build an agenda, and begin talking." By voting on participant-generated topics, conversations are directed and productive.Bring your "lean" related questions to the group and we'll crowd source ideas, suggestions, and answers.Register here to register and receive the meeting invite. 📅 Date: Friday, June 20, 2025  ⏰ Time: 1pm (PT) 📌 Venue: Online via Zoom - reach out to Jennifer for the registration link Open to all NWHPEC members
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08Jun 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Benchmarking + Happy Hour – July 24th

Benchmarking + Happy Hour – July 24th

Events, Member Sharing
It’s time to connect, socialize, and network while enjoying some tasty food and beverages! Join us for either or both activities. First stop: Bob's Red Mill - 13521 SE Pheasant Ct, Milwaukie We'll engaged in a SIG style benchmarking discussion around the topic of "Overcoming Barriers to Implementation & Gaining Buy In". It doesn't matter what lean principle you're trying to implement, there are always barriers, obstacles, and resistance. Join the conversation to learn what other's have tried, and share your own stories to provide ideas for overcoming obstacles. Last stop: Portland Cider Co - 8925 SE Jannsen Rd, Clackamas Please join us. This is a great opportunity to get to know others in the consortium better and to continue geeking out on lean topics. Drop in anytime after 4pm,…
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07Jun 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Structured Problem Solving + Aug 20th & 27th (1 spot left!)

Structured Problem Solving + Aug 20th & 27th (1 spot left!)

Classes
Join Mike Orzen as he presents a structured process (Cause Mapping) for identifying problems and determining the most effective ways to eliminate them. We go beyond the basics of PDCA to explore the key skills needed for lasting success in problem-solving. Finally, we’ll cover the common mistakes people make when attempting structured problem-solving. What you will learn: Effective structured problem solving The psychological aspect of PDCA A tool that enforces logical reasoning for better problem solving Why most people are not really doing PDCA (but they think they are) Common mistakes to avoid What you will do: Immediately be a more effective problem solver Avoid the pitfalls that prevent effective problem solving Be able to share these techniques with others Deep dive on Aug 27th (virtual class) to make progress on…
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