Ryan McCormack’s Operational Excellence Mixtape: March 7, 2025

900
0

Thanks, as always, to Ryan McCormack for this. He always shares so much good reading, listening, and viewing here! Subscribe to get these directly from Ryan via email.

News, articles, books, podcasts, and videos about how to make the workplace better.


Operational Excellence, Improvement, and Innovation

First, Plot the Dots

Dr. Wheeler emphasizes the importance of context in data analysis, reminding us that the first step is always to plot the data points within their proper framework. Without context, data loses its meaning and can lead to misleading conclusions.

Want Better Strategy Execution? Simplify.

Organizations seem to be trying to do more initiatives and more transformational work than ever. Yet senior leaders know that focus and clarity are necessary for superior strategy execution. The key to better strategic execution – simplify. 

“The Mistakes That Make Us” Wins Shingo Award

Congratulations are in order to author and consultant Mark Graban, whose latest book, “The Mistakes That Make Us,” received the Shingo Publication Award. In this book, Mark shares stories from leaders in various industries about mistakes that resulted in learning, innovation, and growth – a reminder of how productive framing mistakes correctly can be. Many of the stories from the book can also be heard on Mark's podcast, My Favorite Mistake. Congrats Mark!

Gen AI and the Hype Cycle

Using the Gartner “Hype Cycle” model, GenAI is now past The Peak of Inflated Expectations and on its way to the Trough of Disillusionment. So will AI start turning into meaningful value for enterprises, and if so, when? Is AI revolutionary or hype? Probably both.


Creating a Culture of Improvement

Starbucks and Strategic Entropy

Recently, Starbucks cut back on its offerings and eliminated 1,100 corporate jobs after a period of expansion that drained energy from its core business–something it had done 16 years ago. So, why did it make the same mistake again? The answer lies in strategic entropy. As an engineer, I understand that entropy naturally increases over time, and this often happens in business strategy. Companies stray from their core focus either because they can or due to a lack of confidence. Roger Martin argues that if expanding your “Where to Play” doesn't reinforce “How to Win,” then it's a move you shouldn't make.

Embed Purpose At Every Level

Mission Statements. Purpose Statements. Winning Aspirations. Visions. Values. Strategies. It all feels similar yet different and definitely confusing for mere mortals who work in the depths of large organizations. Stuart Hart describes how these components fit together as a Corporate Architecture to embed purpose at all levels.

The Future of Lean

The term “lean” is so diffuse now as to be void of meaning and perhaps even relevance. So, what's the future of lean, given its dilution and the focus on AI to improve work? Katie Anderson interviews Jim Womack to discuss the future of lean, and what Jim would do differently if he dialed back the clock.


Coaching – Developing Self & Others

How To Stop Procrastinating

I know I should be working, but somehow, I end up scrolling through my phone. Maybe I'll just watch one more video on Netflix or YouTube to “take a break.” Before I know it, the panic sets in–I've wasted so much time that now I'll have to pull an all-nighter to get it done.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Procrastination is something many of us struggle with. But don't worry–here are some expert tips to help you break the cycle and stop procrastinating for good.

You Can't Do It All

Speaking of procrastination, we may have infinite ambitions, but we only have finite time. Oliver Burkeman, author of Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts, has a deep conversation with Bogumil Baranowski on the clash between our ambitions and the reality of time on Talking Billions.


Follow Ryan & Subscribe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjmccormack/

Subscribe to receive these via email

 


What do you think? Please scroll down (or click) to post a comment. Or please share the post with your thoughts on LinkedIn – and follow me or connect with me there.

Did you like this post? Make sure you don't miss a post or podcast — Subscribe to get notified about posts via email daily or weekly.


Check out my latest book, The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation:

Get New Posts Sent To You

Select list(s):
Previous articleI’m Coming to Australia and New Zealand in March and April! Workshops in Multiple Cities (Register Now)
Next articleWhy Great Leaders Share Responsibility Instead of Throwing Others Under the Bus
Ryan McCormack
Ryan is an operational excellence professional with over 18 years experience practicing continuous improvement in healthcare, insurance, food manufacturing, and aerospace. He is an avid student of the application of Lean principles in work and life to create measurably better value.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.