Using Open Space Technology for Lean Transformations

Certain facets of Open Space Technology are used for creating and transforming high performing teams, and this can apply to lean facilitation as well:

• Once, when facilitating a value stream mapping team, we were called out of the room to participate in a survey. 
• Thinking this would likely end in disaster, an hour later the team had proved that thinking to be totally flawed. 
• The team had gone through the Storming stage and was already Norming!  We could not believe how quickly the transfer of ownership moved from the facilitator to the Team, and how well the team took charge of their own progress. 
• From that point on, we used this method each time a new team starts to create a value stream map.

Please share your thoughts…

Read Full Post »

System Dynamics — Uneveness caused by “Cash for Clunkers”

A sudden increase in demand was caused by the subject program, and systems in place could not deal well with this (Mura).  Increased paperwork and new delays combined to create aftereffects such as:

1. Title paperwork was delayed so my new vehicle license expired right before Labor Day weekend.  The dealer apologized and overnighted the paperwork, and promised to pay for any tickets that could result in driving on expired temporary plates.  (Safe bet because I didn’t dare to drive it that weekend).
2. The insurance process was also affected as a sudden increase in new policies delayed the billing process in my case.  When I received the bill from my insurance company it was already two weeks overdue.  So the insurance company is now threatening to cancel the policy.  So do I call them and get put through additional bureaucracy? 

At least I got a new truck…

Was anyone else affected on the plus or delta side from the cash for clunkers?

Read Full Post »

Motivating Teams Quote

A newly formed team was having a discussion when a member spoke up and suggested that we may fail. 

My response: The only way this team will fail is if we do not learn from our mistakes along the way to being successful.

Please feel free to quote me on this, it worked wonderfully…

Read Full Post »