safety razor

Mark’s safety razor: our authentic episode about authenticity

Safety razors, old coffee-making methods, vinyl records and the Squirrel Nut Zippers have something to say about what kinds of customers and employees you are seeing. Special thanks to 4th Level Roasters … D&V Barbers … and Mark’s blog where these kinds of thoughts have been percolating for a while. (This wasn’t meant to be an episode. But an off-the-cuff discussion of …

monitor kaizen progress

Better at being better: Continuous improvement culture is a habit, not a finish line

We conclude our series on fostering a culture of continuous improvement by talking about how it needs to be … continuous! You need regular check-ins that look at progress through three different lenses. And there are pitfalls to avoid when you do that.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We’d love to hear …

Better at being better: Your idea needs an owner–who isn’t punished

Champions: It’s a corporate buzzword … and it is a crucial element for anyone hoping to develop a culture of continuous improvement.  3M, Pixar and Intuit all have lessons for us to learn about how to–and how NOT to–engage champions for your initiatives. Are you punishing your champions?  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your …

Too many ideas? Not enough time? We can help!

Better at being better: Too many ideas? Not enough time? We can help.

In our ongoing series on developing a culture of continuous improvement, it’s time to start filtering all of those ideas you’ve collected. If you are overwhelmed, take a pruning lesson with this episode: There are many prioritization techniques and time management strategies, such as the Eisenhower Matrix and the MoSCoW method. Improve your strategic decision-making by focusing on high-impact activities …

Put your ego aside

Put your ego aside: Your people can help you “be better at being better”

In our series on developing a culture of continuous improvement–as Seth Godin says, “being better at being better”–it’s time to share how you FIND those improvements. How do you create an idea bucket … with a tap? Mike has lots of experience getting teams to share their ideas.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your …

Beyond words on the wall: We get better when we align with our values

If talking about corporate values makes your eyes roll, this episode is for you. A culture of continuous improvement requires that you uncover your DNA: your values.  Defining them–and the stories behind them–lead to an organization that can live them out. The hosts share several exercises you can use to uncover those values.  Hat tip to “Co-Active Coaching,” “Start with …

Buc-ee's sign

Resting is rusting! Be like Buc-ee’s and be better at being better.

Are you improving your organization? Not good enough! You have to, as Seth Godin says, “be better at being better.” Continuous improvement, kaizen, is the name of the game. We talk about the signs that you’re settling for less than that–and habits to improve your continuous improvement culture.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your …