by Patrick Adams | Mar 7, 2025 | Articles, Lean Leadership
When people hear Value Stream Mapping (VSM), they often think of manufacturing—assembly lines, production processes, and optimizing physical workflows. While VSM is a foundational tool in Lean manufacturing, its impact goes far beyond the factory floor. From...
by Patrick Adams | Feb 28, 2025 | Articles, Culture & Engagement, Learning
Lean transformation isn’t just about making initial improvements—it’s about sustaining them over the long term. Too often, organizations see impressive results from Lean initiatives only to watch them fade as old habits creep back in. So, how do you prevent...
by Patrick Adams | Feb 21, 2025 | Articles, Lean Leadership
The evolution of technology has changed the way we work, and nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of Industry 4.0. Smart factories, automation, AI-driven insights—these aren’t just buzzwords; they’re reshaping how businesses operate. But with all this digital...
by Patrick Adams | Feb 14, 2025 | Articles, Culture & Engagement
In every conversation about workplace culture, one principle stands out as non-negotiable: respect for people. It’s more than just a feel-good phrase or a line in a mission statement. Respect for people is the foundation of a thriving, engaged, and high-performing...
by Patrick Adams | Feb 7, 2025 | Articles, Culture & Engagement, Problem Solving
I once worked with a leader who became very angry any time he was told about a problem in his operation. I would hear him say things like, “We’ve been in business over 40 years and we still can’t get this right?!?!” While he wanted to develop a problem-solving...
by Patrick Adams | Jan 31, 2025 | Articles, Culture & Engagement, Learning
Continuous Improvement applies to every aspect of our lives, including our own development as leaders. If “perfect” is the goal, we should never stop taking small steps in that direction. I have always called myself a ‘lifelong learner.’ The moment a leader thinks...