READ AND LEARN
The Lean Start up
"The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" written by Eric Ries.
Todayβs reading pick:
"The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" is written by Eric Ries. He is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. He is the creator of the Lean Startup methodology and has advised startups, venture capitalists and large companies around the world. He is also the author of "The Startup Way" and "The Lean Entrepreneurβ
The book provides a guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders on how to create and run successful startups using the Lean Startup methodology. The book argues that traditional startup methods are no longer effective in today's fast-paced, uncertain business environment and that a new approach is needed. The Lean Startup methodology is characterized by a focus on customer feedback, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including how to create a culture of innovation, how to identify and prioritize customer needs, how to build and test minimum viable products, and how to measure and improve performance. The author also provides practical guidance on how to implement Lean practices in startups, including how to overcome resistance to change and how to scale Lean practices across the startup.
Key takeaways from the book:
The Lean Startup methodology is a powerful way for entrepreneurs to create and run successful startups.
To be successful, startups must create a culture of innovation that values customer feedback, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.
Identifying and prioritizing customer needs is critical to success.
Building and testing minimum viable products is a key Lean practice that helps startups validate customer needs and preferences.
Measuring and improving performance is essential to ongoing success.
Scaling Lean practices across the startup is crucial for success.
Resistance to change is a common obstacle to the adoption of Lean practices, but it can be overcome with the right approach.
Lean Startup methods are not only for new ventures, but also can be used in established businesses to drive innovation.
Lean practices can be applied to a wide range of functions, including product development, sales, marketing, and customer service.
Continuous learning is the key to ongoing success with the Lean Startup approach.
Enjoy the read and have fun learning!
Taiichi Ohno
Reading Pick of the day!Toyota Production System - beyond large scale production. Written by the famous mechanical engineer - Taiichi Ohno.
Todayβs reading pick:
Taiichi Ohno - Toyota Production System Beyond large scale production
Taiichi Ohno composed this fundamental book in 1978. As one of Toyota Motor Company's first mechanical designers, he was enlivened by the standards created by Toyota's author Toyoda KiichirΕ. Part manual and part philosophical composition on productivity, Ohno's aide respects the Japanese auto trailblazer's developments in assembling. This 1988 release deciphers the first Japanese form into English. Its outline of the Toyota fabricating cycle will engage history specialists and to every one of those inspired by the "without a moment to spare" ethos that presently overwhelms the globalized economy.
Take-Aways
Toyota changed Ford's mass production system to incorporate "just-in-time" manufacturing
Toyoda KiichirΕ made "Toyotaism" during the 1930s, setting the norm for Japanese auto fabricating
American grocery stores propelled Toyota's creative, in the nick of time creation framework
The kanban - or billboard - is a bunch of directions that decide the progression just-in-time manufacturing
"Smoothing productionβ flattens the "ups and downs" that lead to failure
Right away, laborers opposed evolving from "one operator one machine" to "one operator, many machines in various cyclesβ
The in the nick of time framework plans to wipe out squander at each phase of creation
Utilizing a norm "work sheet" assists supervisors with running the Toyota Production System
The just-in-time point of view empowers supervisors, mid mgmt. and operators to embrace flexibility
Enjoy the read and have fun learning!
Out of the Crisis
Reading Pick of the day! Out of the Crisis. A classic but now more valid than ever! Written by the godfather of good mgmt. W. Edwards Deming.
Todayβs reading pick:
Out of the crisis - by W. Edwards Deming
Deming could be called the Majestro of quality control, the Grand Monsieur of business consulting, the Godfather of management science. Deming is the source of modern business thought. He helped engineer the rise of Japanese competitiveness in the consumer goods sector, thereby giving a major prod to globalization. Perhaps his only failure was not envisioning the extremes to which others would later push his ideas of βconstancy of purposeβ (e.g. continuous quality improvement). Then again, their own ideas often come back to haunt prophets and, on most points, Deming passes the test of time with flying colors. In this reprint of his 1986 classic, his arguments for single supplier sourcing and for leadership rather than supervision, and against production quotas and the absurd practice of management by walking around, ring as true today as ever.
Take-Aways
The US economy needs revolution, transformation and change, not a hot fix.
The theory that manufacturers have to choose between high volume and high quality is a lie.
Production increases as quality improves, because products require less βreworkβ and employees are more satisfied, which leads to greater productivity.
Japan has no natural resources; it succeeds due to its commitment to quality.
Like auto accident statistics, measures of productivity tell you what went wrong but not how to fix it.
Companies must guide workersβ efforts with a theory of management. Just having everyone try to do their best is insufficient and will lead to chaos.
You have to build quality instead of checking for it.
Quotas and management by numbers work against quality. Get rid of them.
Relying on a single source supplier will enhance quality in the long run.
If you hire consultants, give them the authority to visit any aspect of the company.
Enjoy the read and have fun learning!
A Manager's guide to coaching
Reading Pick of the day! A managerβs guide to coaching. Simple and effective ways to get the BEST out of your employees - by Brian Emerson and Anne Loehr.
Todayβs reading pick:
A managerβs guide to coaching - by brian emerson and anne loehr
In this absolut useful book, two executive coaches, Anne Loehr and Brian Emerson, explain what coaching is, how it functions and how managers can learn to put it to work to improve employeesβ productivity and morale. Often people are unaware of attitudes or behaviors that are holding them back or jeopardizing their careers. Thatβs where a good coach plays a crucial role. The authors delve into coachingβs methods, explain its benefits, and offer thoughtful instructions and examples. They devote the last third of the book to specific questions to ask while coaching. How youβll react to the writing style, which is generally clear and serviceable, depends on if you think that βcoacheeβ is a real word and that βeveryone does their workβ is good enough on the grammar front. Either way, this is a straightforward, practical book for managers who want to be productive coaches.
KEY Take aways
An employeeβs success depends on βaptitude, attitude and resources.β Attitude matters most. In fact, a better outlook can make up for shortfalls in skills or materials.
Coaching helps staffers address behaviors and outlooks that hurt their productivity.
The βW.I.N. B.I.G.β process outlines steps to use with your staff members. In the W.I.N. stage, ask questions to help employees develop self-awareness about issues that are holding them back.
In the B.I.G. stage, help them plan and institute problem-solving action.
Effective coaches believe in employeesβ potential, remain detached, heed their own instincts, set an easy atmosphere, donβt bog down and show alternative perspectives.
Coaches must βlisten,β pay attention, offer βfeedbackβ and βcelebrateβ victories.
Coaching offers employees an exciting journey of personal and career growth.
Enjoy the read and have fun learning!
Getting the Right Things Done
Reading Pick of the day!Getting the Right Things Done. A Leaderβs Guide to Planning and Execution - by Pascal Dennis.
Pascal Dennis is a recognized authority in Lean management and a sought-after speaker, coach, and author. He has worked extensively in various industries, including healthcare, aviation, and automotive, helping organizations achieve operational excellence through Lean methodologies. In "Getting the Right Things Done," Dennis shares his insights and experience in strategic planning and execution for leaders who want to drive meaningful change and improve their organization's performance.
In this book, Dennis offers a practical and actionable framework for leaders to identify and prioritize the most critical business opportunities, align their teams' efforts, and execute their plans effectively. He draws on his experience in Lean management and business strategy to provide a systematic approach to strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement. The book covers topics such as strategy deployment, visual management, problem-solving, and performance measurement, among others.
The key takeaways from "Getting the Right Things Done" are as follows:
Establish a clear and compelling strategic direction that aligns with your organization's purpose and values.
Create a process for translating strategy into specific actions and metrics that are relevant to different levels of the organization.
Use visual management tools to communicate goals, progress, and problems effectively.
Develop a problem-solving culture that encourages everyone to identify and solve problems at the root cause.
Align leadership behaviors and processes to support the desired culture and performance.
Empower front-line employees to improve processes and deliver value to customers.
Use data and analytics to measure performance and inform decision-making.
Foster a continuous improvement mindset that encourages experimentation, learning, and innovation.
Build a resilient and adaptable organization that can respond to changes in the business environment.
Focus on developing people's skills, knowledge, and engagement to drive sustained improvement.
"Getting the Right Things Done" is an excellent resource for leaders who want to learn how to align their team's efforts and achieve their organization's strategic goals. It offers practical guidance and tools that leaders can use to improve their strategic planning and execution processes and build a culture of continuous improvement. The book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enhance their leadership skills and drive meaningful change in their organization.
GRIT The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Reading Pick of the day! GRIT - The Power of Passion and Perseverance - by Angela Duckworth.
Todayβs reading pick:
GRIT- The Power of Passion and Perseverance
University of Pennsylvania professor of psychology and MacArthur Genius Angela Duckworth founded an award-winning summer school for low-income children and created βThe Character Labβ, has advised the World Bank, NFL and NBA teams.
This book goes straight in the help yourself section. With Duckworthβs combination of advices and how to guidance this book is worth a read.
I love the simple and easy to read writing. Each chapter can be seen as a standalone reflection of ideas. There is no need to start from the beginning, you can start from each chapter and go forward. If you want to read the complete book from the beginning to the end, it might be a little bit tedious.
In the book its all about grit, Angela describes with the help of the βGrit-Scaleβ how she can predict someoneβs success. On one example she forecasts who will drop out before the end of the first year at West Point. Quiet exactlyβ¦
Grit is made up of passion and perseverance. If you care about what you do, youβre more likely to keep on going. If you keep doing something you love, youβre likely to grow on loving it more and more. But if you lack either dedication or love, youβll have difficulties getting things done. If you dislike what you do at work day after day, you wonβt care about getting better at it.
Looking for personal growth and life hacks, this book gives you useful hints and tricks.
Have fun reading it!
Mindset The psychology of success
Reading Pick of the day! Mindset - The new psychology of success. How we can learn to fulfill our potential - by Carol S. Dweck.
Todayβs reading pick:
Mindset - The New Psychology of Success
This book divides humanity into two groups - the one that are willing to keep on learning and those who are not. The author a psychologist professor Carol S. Dweck writes in her book, based on research about the pros and cons of the two mindsets. You will find several stories about famous business and sports persons that made it in this book. The deep dive has an eye on the impact of the very own mindset on people. She explains even the flexibility of mindsets in regard on topic and personal traits. This complexity of mindsets brings it down to the two points either your mindset is fixed and wonβt move or you have a growth mindset willing to further develop.
KEY TAKE AWAYS:
Persons who have a strong believe in themselves and their qualities have an unchangeable mindset
Persons that believe in the continuous improvement of their own mind have a βgrowth mindsetβ
Persons with a βgrowth mindsetβ believe that the future has a lot of opportunities no matter if good or bad times
A persons mindset defines their view on the world
Athletes with a βgrowth mindsetβ never stop challenging themselves
C-Level executives with a fixed mindset of themselves do not build great teams
We hope to get some taste of the book! Have fun reading it and improving yourself.
How to create an Ishikawa
Reading Pick of the day! How to create an Ishikawa diagram - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.
Todayβs reading pick:
How to create an Ishikawa diagram
And another one by Mickael RΓ©quillard - Ishikawa's diagram is named after its inventor, Kaoru Ishikawa. It appeared in the 1960s and is a key tool in the quality improvement process.
Also known as a fish bone diagram, cause and effect diagram, 5M, 6M, 7M, 8M or 9M, this tool is both simple to use and allows a problem to be addressed quickly and effectively, by going to find its root causes using a methodical, clear and visual approach.
Moreover, it can be used at all levels of the organization and in a multitude of contexts: industrial, services, projects, innovation, marketing, the list is endless!
In this book, you will discover what an ISHIKAWA diagram is, its different representations and use cases, how to create one and how to effectively exploit the information gathered.
Enjoy the read and put it into practice!
SMED
Reading Pick of the day! How to carry out a SMED - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.
Todayβs reading pick:
The Single Minute Exchange of a Die
SMED is a tool made famous by Shigeo Shingo. Its use in a just-in-time production logic has many advantages. You can improve the reactivity of your production tool, making planning much more flexible, limiting your batch sizes, your costs and offering better lead times to your customers. It is not uncommon to see a 50% reduction in changeover time by applying this method!
This book will show you the different steps to follow in order to carry out a SMED but also tips and tools to save time and efficiency during deployment.
Enjoy reading and good practice!
Value Stream Mapping
Reading Pick of the day! How to build a value stream mapping (VSM) - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.
Todayβs reading pick:
The Value Stream Mapping Tool
The value stream mapping tool was made famous by Mike Rother in his book 'learning to see'. This methodology enables the mapping of the entire value chain of a company, analyzing both physical and information flows. It is a powerful strategic tool that provides a current snapshot of what exists today, but also and above all allows you to project yourself into the future (with future mapping), checking the company's compatibility with its objectives and helping it to define the actions to be taken.
This book will show you how to carry out a VSM, both current and future, by explaining the key points (symbols used, KPI, 8 questions), useful tips when carrying it out, and application examples.
Enjoy reading and learning!
2 Second Lean
Reading Pick of the day! 2 Second Lean - by Paul A. Akers.
Todayβs reading pick:
2 Second Lean
The author Paul A. Akers an entrepreneur and business writer brings in this book all his experience from transforming his own business into a β2 Second Leanβ culture.
This book is written like a manual for everyone who wants to know the before and after effect of lean transformation. The good part of it, which makes it easy to read, is that he avoids discussing theories and the engineering language of the manufacturing industry.
If you want to improve yourself or simply getting things done the lean way, on the shop floor as well as in your organization, this book is the right choice.
Enjoy reading and improving!
Living the 80/20 way
Reading Pick of the day! Living the 80/20 way - by Richard Koch.
Todayβs reading pick:
Living the 80/20 Way
This book brings it all together. It shows that you really donβt need much to be happy. Trying to bring it in a nutshell it says focus on the first three levels of Maslowβs hierarchy of needs, everything else is unnecessary. Use your time efficiently and get rid of the obstacles to happiness.
Richard Koch applies the 80/20 rule in almost all facets of life - really a refreshing book on how to look at things.
Enjoy reading and learning!
5S Project
Reading Pick of the day! How to carry out a 5S project - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.
Todayβs reading pick:
How to carry out a 5S project
5S is mainly common sense, really simple and when you are strict a very powerful tool! Before you think about starting any improvement process or workshop start with a 5S session, itβs the perfect starting point for following continuous improvement processes. The best part > it requires only a few resources, everyone can join and afterwards you have visible results. The charming thing about 5S is that you will be able to improve in small steps in all areas like quality, performance, safety and the complete work environment.
This reading pick will show you the methodology as well as real doing and conducting of 5S Sessions. It is a great guidance and a step by step instruction with lots of advices and practical tools that will allow you to conduct your 5S project from A-Z.
5S is relevant everywhere - on the shop floor, at the office or even at home!
Enjoy reading and learning!
Stay connected
Ad
We want information fast and in a nutshell. We from OI recommend Blinkist* - because itβs simply the best.
* = Affiliate link
