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• Organizational Assessments

• Continuous Improvement Workshops

• Kaizen Event Coaching

• Additional Development Opportunities

Organization Assessments

We offer two organizational assessments.

Readiness Assessment Inventory

In order to create a customized sustainable plan for implementing a lean management solution for your organization we suggest a readiness assessment inventory be completed. Our company has developed an effective, robust assessment tool that evaluates:

1. How your current business practices align with lean management practices and principles;
2. How your people practices align with skills, attributes and behaviors required to effectively build a culture of improvement; and
3. Your organizational culture and leadership appetite to engage in change.

The assessment includes an analysis of nine key elements including: Organizational Structure, Planning, Space, Work Processes, Work Practices (includes elements of safety), Visibility of Work, Staff Involvement, Client/Customer Experience and Leadership. The assessment takes from 2-5 days depending on the size of your organization. The result of this assessment is a detailed report containing an action plan for your organization to consider in implementing a full lean management system or adopting specific lean tools.

Organizational Depth Structure Study

This study is conducted when organizations are interested in reviewing their organizational structure to ensure that alignment of positions is meeting your business needs. The study can be conducted in two ways:

(1) It can be exclusively focused on redesigning the organizational structure in alignment with lean principles while assisting with taking out layers where there is redundancy or waste. The focus of this study is on the evaluation of positions ONLY. At the conclusion of this study you will have built a new organizational structure.

Or

(2) It can be integrated with the Lean Leadership & Succession Depth Study allowing the organization to also evaluate the leaders in the organization. This expands the study focus to include a review of all the leaders in formal leadership positions and evaluates their current effectiveness as a leader in a lean organization.

At the conclusion of this study you will have built a new organizational structure, have a comprehensive understanding of your leaders competencies and areas for development and a lean depth chart that will assist your organization in effective succession planning.

Contact us today to get started on one of these organizational assessments!

Continuous Improvement Workshops

Our Lean courses are offered both in open enrollment format and for clients to bring them in-house. Contact us to get enrolled today!

Half-Day Workshops:

Introduction to Continuous Improvement 400

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."
- Peter Druker

This workshop introduces the concept of lean and philosophy of continuous improvement. Based on the Toyota Production System and a philosophy of a deep respect for people you will come to appreciate how a commitment to zero defects and no waste has assisted organizations to increase quality and safety of their products and services, increase staff morale and decrease costs. You will also come away understanding the House, which is a visual depiction of the foundational work required to build a strong, sustainable management system.

5S Workplace Organization 400

"If you don't have time to do it right, you must have time to do it over."
- Russian Proverb

This workshop builds your knowledge and understanding of what 5S is and its application, including when, where and why it's done. In addition the workshop assists you in understanding the benefits of 5S application in building teams and organizational engagement. Finally, you will spend time making a plan for 5S in your workplace.

7 Flows 400

"It is difficult to get a person to understand something when his or her job depends on not understanding it."
- Upton Sinclair

This workshop builds your knowledge and ability to identify the 7 flows. You will spend time identifying flows in your work environment as well as how to effectively map and understand the impact of these flows on how your customers, clients or patients experience your service as well as on your business outcomes.

Gemba Walks 400

Daily visual management walls without gemba walks are merely wallpaper!

This Workshop, based on Jim Womack's book, 'Gemba Walks' focuses on the power of leadership presence where the work is done or where humans create value. This workshop will provide you with knowledge of how value stream mapping, daily visual management walls, and a curious mind make gemba walks meaningful.

Coaching Through Change 400

This workshop builds your knowledge of what coaching is and how you can effectively use this skill, in combination with lean tools, in advancing a culture of continuous improvement.

You will learn the key components of coaching, practice your coaching skills and receive feedback on your coaching approach as you learn to coach through change with our lean coaching techniques.

5 Why Problem Solving 400

"If you don't know how to ask the right questions, you discover nothing."
- W. Edwards Deming

This workshop introduces Demming's Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle. It focuses on building your knowledge of when and how to use 5 Why problem solving tools. This workshop will build your skill in using these tools to better understand the root cause of a problem before moving to action.

4 Square Problem Solving 400

"When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves."
- Anthony D'Angelo

This workshop introduces Demming's Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle; focusing on building your knowledge of when and how to use a 4 square problem-solving tool. The workshop will assist you in understanding the practical application of this tool as you identify and tackle system-wide organizational problems. You will also have the opportunity to begin designing an implementation plan using the driver diagram approach.

Value Stream Mapping 400

"Nature does constant value stream mapping – it's called evolution"
- Carrie Latet

This interactive workshop will build your understanding of the purpose of value stream mapping (VSM) as well as how to create and utilize the VSM in process improvement. You will spend time understanding the tools required to create a VSM including measurement. Finally you will practice using these tools to create a future state map and an associated implementation plan.

Making Work Visible & Visual 400

A gemba walk without a visibility wall is just a social outing!

This interactive workshop introduces the tools and practices of visual management as one of the components of the Lean Management System. It focuses on how to involve teams in selecting meaningful metrics and illustrates the importance of using daily visual management to effectively support leaders daily routine.

Practical Processes for Problem Solvers 400

"The most dangerous kind of waste is the waste we do not recognize."
- Shigeo Shingo

This workshop focuses on building your knowledge and understanding of practical problem solving tools. During this interactive workshop you will explore tools that will assist you in establishing a better understanding of problems and/or defects in your daily work. Focusing on 5 whys, fishbone and tree diagrams you will explore how to effectively understand root cause of a problem and/or defect. In addition you will learn techniques for effectively analyzing and prioritizing information.

Full Day Workshops:

Introduction to Continuous Improvement 800

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't... you are right"
– Henry Ford

This workshop provides a comprehensive explanation of kaizen and the lean management system. Based on the Toyota Production System and a philosophy of a deep respect for people you will come to appreciate how a commitment to zero defects and no waste has assisted organizations to increase quality and safety of their products and services, increase staff morale and decrease costs. You will also come away with a detailed understanding of the House, which is visual depiction of the foundational work required to implement a lean management system. In addition, you will learn how to apply foundational lean tools in your workplace and the behaviours required for all employees in a lean organization in order to successfully sustain a culture of improvement.

Making Work Visible & Visual 800

You can't effectively address what you cannot see!

This workshop builds your knowledge of three key lean concepts/tools associated with making work visual - value stream mapping, daily visual management and building visibility walls. These concepts are foundational pieces of the lean house and establishing a strong working understanding of them will ensure that you have the basis to build a culture of continuous improvement. The workshop focuses on how to involve teams in making work visual, how to establish a deeper understanding of your processes and how to select meaningful metrics.

Kanban 800

Stop Pushing – Create Pull!

This workshop builds your knowledge and understanding of kanban, a concept embedded in the Just In Time (JIT) pillar of the Lean house. During this day you will build your knowledge of what Kanban is and its application, including when, where and why it's done. You will increase your understanding of the types of kanban available and see examples of how each type is effectively used in organizations. Finally, you will have the opportunity to begin planning how your organization can apply this concept to your work environment.

Creating an Environment of Safety 800

When Safety is First, You Last!

This workshop builds your knowledge and understanding of key tools and practices embedded in the jidoka pillar of the Lean house. This pillar focuses on efficiency through built in quality and safety for both clients and employees. The workshop is designed to increase your understanding of the concepts of jidoka, visual controls and mistake proofing as well as how you can effectively work with your teams to practically apply these approaches in your organization.

Standard Operations 800

"If you think of 'standardization' as the best you know today, but which is to be improved tomorrow — you get somewhere. But if you think of standards as confining, then progress stops."
- Henry Ford

This workshop builds your knowledge and understanding of the three elements of standard operations (lead time, cycle time and takt time) that are foundational to the Lean house. In addition, you will build your understanding of how standard operations enables higher quality and increased employee engagement as well as how to develop standard work and improve it. This workshop provides you a more detailed understanding of each of the elements; allowing opportunity to engage in exercises that will deepen your learning.

Power of Curiosity: Root Cause Analysis 800

"Learn to Be Curious, Not Judgmental"
- Walt Whitman

This workshop focuses on building your knowledge and understanding of the power of curiosity, the value of listening with intention and the importance of asking good questions. The workshop is embedded in Demings' Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology which is the basis of continuous improvement and pivotal to understanding the root cause of problems impacting your organization. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the 5 Why and 4 Square problem solving tools as well as how to use a Driver Diagram to effectively map an effective action plan to address identified problems.

3P 800

It's not always about trying to fix something broken.

Maybe its about starting over and creating something better. This workshop focuses on building your knowledge and understanding of 3P – Production, Preparation and Process and is essential if you are looking to engage in a 3P design (physical or process) or model of care event. During this workshop you will increase your understanding of the model process for designing quality services and appropriate production processes while building an improvement culture at a rapid pace. In addition, you will enhance your understanding of the principles and tools applied as part of this rapid process improvement event.

Value Stream Mapping 800

"If you can not describe what you are doing as a process, you don't know what you are doing"
- W. Edwards Deming

The first half of this workshop will be classroom based and will focus on developing your knowledge of the purpose of value stream mapping (VSM) as well as how to create and utilize the VSM in process improvement. The second half of this workshop will take place either within your organization or a host organization. Your gemba experience will allow you the opportunity to practice value stream mapping a workplace process. At the conclusion of the workshop you will have a current and future state map for the selected process and identified opportunities (starbursts) for improvement.

Kaizen Event Coaching

Our lean coaches are available to assist your organization with a wide array of lean events. The length of the events, including set up time and follow on, are dependent on type of event, size of your organization and scope of the work. We would be pleased to work with you to create an event that meets your needs.

Please Contact us to discuss your event request!

Events... Choose the one that is right for you!

5S

Want to better organize your space to increase safety and efficiency?

Our 5S events focus on helping your organization to Sort, Simplify, Sweep, Standardize and Sustain. Our coaches work with your team to ensure that the event is successful both in the delivery of the tools as well as in the involvement of your teams to ensure sustainability of results.

Rapid Kaizen

Want to get everyone in your organization focused on improvement?

Our team of coaches will work alongside your leadership team to design a rapid kaizen event following a plan-do-check-act cycle that reflects your needs and effectively involves your staff. This type of event is essential when adopting new lean tools or a lean management system as it allows all those in the organization to get involved and acts as a catalyst to communicate 'why' the organization is looking to reduce waste and improve quality.

Kanban

Want to create a pull system for your products and services?

Our team of coaches will work with you to design a kanban event that will assist you in determining appropriate inventory levels and building an effective process to maintain those levels.

Visioning Sessions

Want to establish a strong vision for transformational change?

Our team of coaches will work with you to design a visioning session that will effectively assist you in determining your organizations future destination. We will work with your team to create a shared vision that is accompanied by a statement of purpose and a timeframe. In addition, we will assist you in defining who to involve in further refining your vision and what coalitions are required to successfully achieve your organizations future state.

Rapid Process Improvement

Would you like to significantly drive out waste in a targeted area of your organization?

Our team of coaches will work with you to design a comprehensive process improvement event. We will assist your organization in ensuring your event is appropriately scoped, that you have involved the right participants and that the deliverables are clearly articulated and measurable. In addition, our coaches will provide 'just in time' training to those involved in the event and will lead the event activities.

3P

Do you need to design something new?

Our team of coaches will work with your team(s) to deliver a 3P - Production, Preparation and Process – event. This is one of the most powerful and transformative lean events and are designed by our coaches to assist you in rapidly creating something new from a clean development slate. These are "quantum leap" design improvement events that can improve performance and eliminate waste to a level beyond that which can be achieved through daily or continuous improvements. Whether you are designing a new building or a new process; this event is right for you!

Strategy Deployment

Do you want everyone in your organization aligned with your strategic objectives?

Our team of coaches will work with you to develop and deliver a robust strategy deployment process that involves all those in your organization. This approach ensures that data and ideas are effectively driven from the floor to your decision makers. This event will result in a comprehensive plan for you organization.

Value Stream Mapping

Would you like to make your improvement opportunities visible?

Our team of coaches will work with you and your team(s) in identifying and mapping your work processes. We will assist you in building a current and a future state value stream map. In addition, we will coach you through a gap analysis between current and future state and assist you in identifying opportunities for improvement.

Mistake Proofing

Our team of coaches will work with you and your teams(s) in identifying where a mistake proofing opportunity exists in your organization. This event is one mechanism used in continuous improvement to help organizations eliminate errors. The goal of these events is to: (1) make wrong actions more difficult, (2) make it possible to reverse actions or make it harder to do what cannot be reversed, (3) make it easier to discover errors that occur and (4) make incorrect actions correct.

Additional Development Opportunities

Standardization: The Importance of Standard Operations
Understanding Continuous Improvement through the Lean House
Understanding your data thru Process, Quality, Analysis (PQA)
Safety First: The Power of Jidoka

Testimonials & Results

Bonnie helped spearhead a project with her team using the 5S organizational system to help us gain control and save time. They overhauled the entire space, cleaning thoroughly and implementing a system that helped us own the space and save time and energy, making it easier to find and use things. It's helped immensely with our resource management.

- Blair Roberts, Emergency Services Manager at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

Jim studied the Lean system and became a certified leader through one of the best organizations in the world. He reproduced his training by investing in others, and encouraging the Board and our staff to strive for continuous improvement through Lean. Because of this, our region is considered a leader in the Province of Saskatchewan and we have achieved significant results before many others did.

- Randy Donauer, Board Member of Saskatoon Regional Health Authority

During his tenure as Board Chair, Jim was an advocate and supporter of the adoption of the Saskatchewan lean management system. Not only was he involved in setting and supporting this strategy, he also walked the talk. Jim was the first board chair to become a fully certified lean leader in Saskatchewan.

- Jackie Mann, Vice President Integrated Health Services at Saskatoon Health Region

In 2012, the Saskatoon Health Region's, Staff Scheduling Department was in need of new direction. At that time, Bonnie Blakley was tasked with leading a 3P project that involved bringing together over 40 individuals, including frontline staff, schedulers, managers, unions and patients. During the week-long event, Bonnie provided guidance and coaching to our large team, as we developed a five-year plan to implement a new scheduling system that provides a seamless process for the units we support. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with an individual who I consider not only to be an expert in the filed but also a pleasure to work alongside.

We are now three years into our five-year journey, which started with the 3P that Bonnie led.

In these three years, we have accomplished the following:

• Developed our own Scheduling System based on the ideas generated from the 3P
• Established our health region as the first in Saskatchewan to offer online scheduling
• Generated savings of more than 500k, which we have been able to redistribute within our department
• Increased our efficiency in offering shifts by more than 80 per cent without any job loss
• Created new positions within our department focused on the complexity of scheduling more than 8,000 staff

- Kweku Johnson, Manager Staff Scheduling at Saskatoon Health Region

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