Leadership, Lean, Podcast Interviews, Toyota

“How to Embody the Spirit of Toyota” – Podcast Interview

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

Toyota

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

Leadership, Lean, Podcast Interviews, Toyota

“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

Employee Engagement, Leadership, Lean, Respect for People

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

Employee Engagement, Respect for People

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