15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Structured Problem Solving

Application~, Igniting Innovation~, Intermediate~, Solving Problems~
Facilitated by Mike Orzen, this workshop will present a structured process 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 solved, including the use of Cause Mapping. 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 Structured Problem…
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15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Managing Change & Transition

Developing People~, Intermediate~, Leadership~
Change management is most effective when you’re able to integrate change and transition principles into existing change processes.  This ultimately helps employees adjust to change through knowledge of the big picture, the purpose of the plan, their part in the change, and the process that will be used to implement the change.  People struggle with change because little attention and space is given to the emotional and psychological impacts of change – the transition. This session demonstrates how to manage change and transition effectively by merging the work of change and transition expert William Bridges, Ph.D. with the Lean mindset, methods, and management systems. How you will benefit:   Learn the three phases of transition. Explore effective strategies for communicating change and facilitating transitions. Identify action steps to integrate transition…
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15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Leader Standard Work

Application~, Intermediate~, Leadership~
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 for 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 improvements. During this interactive session, you will: Gain an understanding of the value of…
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15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Improvement & Coaching Kata (IK 201)

Developing People~, Igniting Innovation~, Intermediate~, Solving Problems~
This four-hour class uses a puzzle building simulation to teach the 4-step pattern of the Improvement Kata.  Attendees will practice Grasping the Current Condition, Establishing a Target Condition, and using PDCA to experiment towards the established Target Condition.  Additionally, attendees will practice two Coaching rounds using information gathered in Current Condition, Target Condition, and experimentation. Key Concepts: Learn how the Improvement Kata differs from other Lean approaches Understand the 4-Step Improvement Kata pattern and practice within three of the four steps Practice two Coaching routines: One during Grasping the Current Condition and the second after a Target Condition has been established Understand the role of Learner and Coach and the responsibilities of each Audience: Those who are new to the Kata approach who want to learn the improvement pattern or…
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15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Coaching for Engagement

Application~, Developing People~, Intermediate~, Leadership~
The true role of a leader is a coach. This includes coaching to develop, coaching to improve, and coaching to engage. Engagement comes when people feel supported and trusted to make decisions and to accept failures as learning opportunities. This class focuses on teaching the foundational skills required to create engagement within your team. When done effectively, coaching for engagement helps develop capability and creates motivation to innovate, improve, and solve problems. This course will teach you a different approach to conversations, one that focuses on development vs. just sharing information. This ultimately translates into a team that is motivated, engaged, and empowered to drive improvement and solve problems. Key Concepts: Why coaching is important, how we coach, what our role is as a coach The correlations between coaching, engagement,…
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15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Building Your Lean Management System

Application~, Intermediate~, Leadership~
Most initial attempts at lean and continuous improvement focus on tools and improvement events (aka kaizen events). Unfortunately, after a while, people notice that the “lean journey” has lost most of its momentum, energy, engagement, focus, and breakthrough results. The lean management system (LMS) is a framework for building a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning. Its focus is on developing people to solve problems to improve performance. In this environment, improvement is not driven by a few lean champions but by everyone. Now everyone has a dual focus: doing the work (results) and improving the work (process). In this workshop, we’ll use a series of hands-on exercises to build a piece of the LMS, experiment with it, receive coaching support, and repeat the process as you build a…
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15Jan 2023 by Jennifer Ayers

Building Blocks for Trainers

Application~, Developing People~, Foundational~, Intermediate~
Lean Standardized Work and Training Within Industry Job Instruction ("what, how, why" training) methods have precise, technical formats and application approaches. This course is a blend of the two and is designed to deliver significant, actionable introductory learning aligned with the concepts and intent of these methods. The class will be delivered in two sessions with an expectation that participants will apply the learning to a "real-life" work process between sessions. The first session is an interactive, collaborative exploration and simulated application of job instruction and standardized work methods. The second session will provide participants the opportunity to present their application work and receive peer feedback and coaching. Key Concepts: Explore the “what, how, why” training method. What standardized work methods are and how they are related. How these methods…
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