The Many Meanings of the Word “Coaching”
Coaching means many different things to different people and within different organizations. Often I find someone believes they are coaching when in fact they are just sharing their experiences and points of view at opportune moments. I remember one executive I was coaching, who is now retired, saying “People can’t
Read MoreThe History of PDSA, PDCA, and Dr. Deming
PDCA, or “Plan Do Check Act”, is perhaps one of the most well-known concepts in lean and continuous improvement. Not the most understood, but well known about. Anything this ubiquitous and broad is with understanding its historical use and origins. I love diving into histories like this; read economics and
Read MoreMy Definition of Entrepreneurship
A famous, but false, anecdote about entrepreneurship is when George W. Bush told Tony Blair that the problem with the French economy is that they don’t have a word for entrepreneurs. This would have been funnier if it were true, but this French word has grown in popularity over the
Read MoreThe Future of Work, and the Workplace, Post-Covid
The future of work post-pandemic has been much anticipated and has caused legitimate concern for many. Working conditions for some have been improved, for others, it has been stressful. As for many, working conditions have been impossible as the unemployment numbers for women while kids learn remotely have demonstrated. Companies
Read MoreSetting Goals, and the One Minute Leadership Lesson [from the archives]
How do you set goals? Think about it. If you actually had to describe it, how do you do it? Most people that set them don’t really know. Something goes in both inside and outside their brain, and goals come out the other side. Last week I posted on Forget the
Read MoreIs the Business Model Canvas a Template, Method, or Mindset?
The business model canvas, and its sister format the lean canvas, has become cemented in the lexica of entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation. While its form is familiar to many, its use is quite varied. The relative experience and skill with which it is wielded is a significant factor, but just
Read MoreDid You Decide or Determine Your Solution?
There are many ways that lean thinkers look to signal that true problem solving has been pursued. These are a sort of litmus test for genuine versus fake lean efforts. Some of these are about artifacts, such as “show me your A3”, and some of these are about language, such
Read MoreIs Digital Transformation about Adoption or Innovation?
Digital transformation is a popular phrase in business today. The pandemic has created a massive shift to work from home, remote work, online ordering, and other digital transformation efforts. It has been a frequent topic in strategy forums, webinars, C-suites, and more. There is no question that we are experiencing
Read MoreDriving Innovation and the Role of the Board of Directors
Boards of Directors, and the shareholders they represent, always want more innovation from their management teams and the company. But what can they do about it? Boards spend more and more of their time on governance, risk management, compliance, compensation, and other factors, many of which have little to do
Read MoreHats off to Good Management in 2020
A great deal has been written and spoken on the importance of leadership in leading people through the pandemic, including by yours truly. However, there is also something to be said for the importance of management. Good, effective, focused, and diligent management through this pandemic has been essential for many
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