I was recently a guest on Gemba Academy's podcast, where we talked about the 10 Attitudes that I learned from Toyota (link to blog post here). These attitudes have had a lasting impact on me long after leaving Toyota, and I am honored to be able to share what they mean to me. Link to… Continue reading “How to Embody the Spirit of Toyota” – Podcast Interview
Author: Jess Orr
What the 10 Toyota ‘Attitudes’ Mean to Me
When I worked at Toyota, I was instructed to memorize the company's 10 Attitudes. Even now that I have moved on to another company, I find myself drawn to these core values. The following examines which each of these Attitudes means to me personally. 1. Customer First - Always provide satisfactory products and services It is no… Continue reading What the 10 Toyota ‘Attitudes’ Mean to Me
“Lean Leadership Lessons from Toyota and Beyond” – Podcast Episode
Recently, I was honored to be a guest on a podcast for Mark Graban's Lean Blog. Mark's work as a speaker, author, and consultant has had a significant impact on my continuous learning about continuous improvement. During the early days after I left Toyota, I found that there were gaps in my knowledge of how… Continue reading “Lean Leadership Lessons from Toyota and Beyond” – Podcast Episode
How 200 Jobs Were Saved by Engaging Employees in Continuous Improvement
Have you ever wondered, "This employee engagement / continuous improvement stuff sounds great, but does it really work?" In my experience, the answer is a resounding "Yes." This is a story about how the right process indeed leads to the right results, and represents one of the most meaningful projects I have experienced in my… Continue reading How 200 Jobs Were Saved by Engaging Employees in Continuous Improvement
What a Trip to Lowe’s Taught Me About Employee Empowerment
A recent trip to Lowe's reminded me of the importance of empowering employees. One Friday afternoon, I went to the home improvement store to pick up some mulch for my yard. I spotted a discounted Azalea bush marked down from $25 to $5. It needed some TLC, but for that price it was worth the… Continue reading What a Trip to Lowe’s Taught Me About Employee Empowerment