The Lean Office Blog

Free 5S Audits Module Now Available!

Randy SieverMay 16, 2017 The Lean Office No Comments

Free 5S Audits Module Now Available!

Do you manage 5S Audits in Excel spreadsheets or on paper? We’ve got exciting news for you – we just released a completely free, cloud-based tool for managing your 5S Audits! By signing up for a free account, you can manage up to 20 different...

Tips for Visual Management in the Office

Randy SieverJan 09, 2017 Visual Management No Comments

Tips for Visual Management in the Office

Visual Management

Today’s post provides tips for implementing visual management in office and service environments. At the start of every year, I like to do my part to help level-load the demand of local businesses. The business I’m most concerned about as...

How the Grouch Stole Kaizen

Randy SieverDec 22, 2016 Lean Culture, The Lean Office No Comments

How the Grouch Stole Kaizen

Lean Culture, The Lean Office

‘Twas the night before Kaizen, And all through the shop, Not a machine was moving, Switches all set to “stop.” Employees and management, All tucked in their beds, With visions of improvement, Dancing in their heads. Very early the next...

Embracing Failure

Randy SieverNov 14, 2016 Lean Culture No Comments

Embracing Failure

Lean Culture

Today’s post defines what it means to embrace failure. “Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be.” – John Wooden My favorite all-time interview question is simple: Tell me about a time when you tried to do something...

Iowa Lean Consortium Fall Conference

Randy SieverOct 21, 2016 Uncategorized No Comments

Iowa Lean Consortium Fall Conference

Uncategorized

This past week I had the opportunity to attend and lead a breakout session at the Iowa Lean Consortium’s annual conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition to wonderful keynotes from Richard Sheridan and Dr. Jeff Liker, there were several interesting...

Lean Problem Solving & Apple Cider

Randy SieverOct 07, 2016 Everyday Lean No Comments

Lean Problem Solving & Apple Cider

Everyday Lean

Today’s post discusses a better way for Lean managers to view problem solving and the opportunities that can come from problems you will encounter. Of all the seasons, fall is definitely the favorite in my house. The days are a little cooler, the...

Introducing Gemba Walks

Randy SieverSep 30, 2016 The Lean Office No Comments

Introducing Gemba Walks

The Lean Office

Today’s post tells the origin story of a popular module in The Lean Office – Gemba Walks! The idea for our Gemba Walks module came from conversation with a Supply Chain Vice President who works in a distribution environment. He explained...

Daily Accountability – Who’s Got the Ice?

Randy SieverSep 23, 2016 Lean Management System No Comments

Daily Accountability – Who’s Got the Ice?

Lean Management System

Today’s post describes the importance of having Daily Accountability in a Lean Management System. Of the jobs I’ve had in my career, the one that taught me the most about human nature and how we approach our work was waiting tables in a restaurant....