Content by Bruce Hamilton
Thinking Outside the PandemicNow, as the economy begins to reopen, two lessons learned
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 12:01
For the last four months, GBMP has, of necessity, pivoted to predominantly virtual consulting, training, and coaching. Now, as the economy begins to reopen, I’d like to share with you two lessons that we have learned. Office space adds limited…
Why Not?‘99 percent of objection is cautionary’
Tue, 05/05/2020 - 12:02
Most lean folks use 5 Whys daily to problem solve, but relatively few are familiar with a clever problem-solving device developed 30 years ago by Deming Prize winner Ryuji Fukuda, called the why-not diagram.  Because objection is a natural human…
Tribute to a CoachThe good ones inspire you to reach higher
Tue, 04/21/2020 - 12:01
Football is a tough sport, tougher than most who play it. Almost everyone who plays will eventually sustain at least a minor injury. It certainly took a toll on my body. At 15, I broke my leg in two places during a scrimmage and was out for the…
About TimeIs it time to reconsider the time clock?
Wed, 01/15/2020 - 12:02
This year marks the 35th anniversary of a remarkable and unfortunately also singular event in my career: In 1985, my employer, United Electric Controls (UE), elected to remove time clocks from the factory. At the time of this unusual decision, I…
Tours R UsWhy sharing and teaching are the best ways to learn
Wed, 11/13/2019 - 12:01
After being recognized in 1990 by the Shingo Prize, my plant became an overnight hot spot for benchmarking. Hardly a week went by when there was not a visit from a distinguished visitor, Fortune 500 company, professional organization, or college…
What Is a Thinker-Doer?The best ideas come from the people who actually do the work
Thu, 10/10/2019 - 12:03
Several years ago, I was asked to address a startup meeting at a new client, a large manufacturer of medical devices. The company was resource-rich, but after several years of trying had not yet gained significant traction with its lean efforts.…
Accountability or Authority?Turn dissatisfaction into <em>constructive</em> dissatisfaction
Mon, 09/23/2019 - 12:03
Reflecting on Douglas McGregor’s X and Y theories of human motivation, Shigeo Shingo took the position that each of us by nature has a dual tendency: sometimes lazy and self-interested, and other times motivated and generous. Which of these…
Field of DaisiesEngaged employees need an engaging system
Mon, 09/09/2019 - 12:02
A daisy rising from my brick walkway reminded me this morning, that even in the worst environment, there is a chance for growth. But this kind of individual heroism does not portend success for lean transformation. As an organization with the slogan…
Small ThingsHow many does it take to change an organization?
Thu, 03/28/2019 - 12:02
Last February I had the opportunity to observe healthcare providers up close and personal at one the world’s premier hospitals. “Who Cares for the Caregivers?” was written from the perspective of a patient in a cardiac step-down unit,…
Sorta SystemsI wish I’d invested in the whiteboard market when I began my career
Tue, 03/12/2019 - 12:02
Last year I had a short stay at one of Boston’s best hospitals. Although I will be forever grateful for the excellent treatment I received while in their care, I wondered about a few systems that sat directly in front of my bed. So, I took a picture…