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