Kaizen Kreativity (Oops!): Don't Be Afraid of Looking Stupid. I'm an Expert at It.

In his new fun and creative book author Dr. Tom DePaoli offers an entertaining and creative approach to improving work design and work processes. He uses many techniques like storytelling, imaginative training exercises and ready to go outlines of PowerPoints on Kaizens. The book serves as a desktop guide on how to organize for process streamline events. Dr. DePaoli shows that using a few Kaizen or Lean tools can result in sizable gains. The book will help both the novice and the experienced process improvement leader. It is a novel indispensable guide to hard and soft cost savings. Dr. DePaoli asserts, "Above all don't be afraid of looking stupid! I'm an expert at it! And it has served me very well." Visit drtombooks.com It includes: · Why Kaizens are a better faster option. · Fun training exercises. · An easy Kaizen roadmap. · Common Kaizen and process improvement mistakes to avoid. Comments about it: DePaoli also shares mistakes he's seen. A big one is having a sponsor who is not committed to Kaizen. "I've seen organizations build a team that's raring to go, but the sponsor drags his feet on implementation. Imagine what that does to credibility and morale." Another is that some people proceed without a full understanding of the tools. "It's difficult to teach and examine the process at the same time," DePaoli says. "I like to teach the tools before I do the Kaizen." He also likes to use common experiences in his teaching to make his point. In addition to the success stories and common mistakes, the book contains training exercises as well as a training presentation, a roadmap, tips, a glossary of terms and lots more. For organizations trying to streamline processes, the emphasis on efficiency over bureaucracy will be particularly relevant. In such cases, the future state or To-Be, ensures that the processes and guidelines put in place reduce the need for individual approvals for the majority of steps. Kaizens also recognize and incorporate the Voice of the Customer (VOC) as one of eleven steps. If you are not a Black or Green Belt (hint: they are the two of the highest levels of certification), no need to worry. Kaizen Kreativity provides enough background and templates to get started, although working with someone who has the appropriate experience never hurts.