21 | Leading To Learn Part 1: Build A Chain Of Learning [with Isao Yoshino] Chain Of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders podcast

37:20

Do you ever feel overwhelmed that you are responsible for doing too much? Maybe you’re frustrated that your team relies on you for answers instead of developing their own solutions. Or you’re disappointed that improvements fall apart as soon as you step away. The problem: You’re likely stuck in the Doer Trap—and it’s holding you (and your team) back from the results you want. The good news? There’s a way out. In this episode, I dive into three simple shifts that will instantly help you break free from the Doer Trap and into true transformational leadership. Your power and influence doesn’t come from doing it all. Whether you are an executive manager, internal change leader, or lean consultant, your ability to create lasting impact lies in knowing the outcomes you want and your role in getting there. Are you ready to break free from the Doer Trap and lead with real impact? YOU’LL LEARN: What the Doer Trap is—and why it’s so easy to fall into 5 Doer Trap roles (and which ones you might be stuck in) 3 simple shifts to instantly break free of the Doer Trap and make immediate impact How to gain clarity on your role and step into true leadership by modeling the way A simple way to frame a contracting conversation to clarify roles and expectations IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/40 Check out my website for resources and to learn more about my trusted advisor, coaching, and learning experiences KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst TIMSTAMPS: 03:14 What the doer trap is—and why we fall into it 04:55 Mode 1: The Hero – Not everything needs your rescue 05:48 Mode 2: The Rescuer – Why you need to let others struggle 06:52 Mode 3: The Magician – Doing it all behind the scenes 07:43 Mode 4: Pair of Hands – When you default to doing 09:53 3 simple shifts to break free from the trap 10:06 Shift 1: Clarity – Know your role and who owns what 14:14 Why so many operational leaders feel overwhelmed 15:12 The power of a purposeful pause 17:10 Shift 2: Contracting – Align on roles and expectations 23:03 How to frame a clear contracting conversation 27:58 Shift 3: Model the way and label your intent 28:19 Two ways to reflect and invite real feedback 31:49 A real-life example of how one leader found freedom 33:42 Questions to reflect if you’re falling into one of the doer traps…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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39| Doing More Isn’t the Answer: Why Simple Wins [with Lisa Bodell] 37:49

hace 28 días37:49

37:49

Ever feel like your to-do list never ends? Running from meeting to meeting with no time to think—let alone lead or create? You’re not alone. The problem isn’t you – that you’re not working hard enough. You’re probably stuck in the complexity trap—buried in endless demands, inefficiencies, and busywork that keep you (and your team) from doing what truly matters. To help you simplify and focus on meaningful work, I sat down with Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and bestselling author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Lisa has a clear message: 💡 The problem isn’t the people—it’s the process of the work. In this episode, we dive into the biggest barriers to your effectiveness—what you can do to cut through the noise and create space for work that actually matters. If you’re ready to escape the complexity trap and start simplifying to make a real impact, this episode is a must-listen. YOU’LL LEARN: How meetings and emails are blocking real improvement What defines truly meaningful work—including time to think The connection between innovation and simplification—and how to stay ahead of the curve The biggest mistakes that make simplification harder (and how to avoid them) The first step to simplifying your work and life ABOUT MY GUEST: Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and bestselling author of Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins , inspires leaders to transform work to unlock true potential and find deeper fulfillment. With her bold, no-nonsense approach to simplification, Lisa delivers radical insights and actionable tools to fuel extraordinary success. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/39 Connect with Lisa Bodell: linkedin.com/in/lisa-bodell-futurethink Read more about Lisa and her company, FutureThink: futurethink.com Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 02:09 Why leaders feel overwhelmed—and how to fix it 03:51 The illusion of control and why organizing isn’t the same as simplifying 04:28 Why doing less can make you more valuable 05:09 The daring act of simplifying and not adding to our workload 07:26 The cost of valuing others’ time more than your own 08:27 Reframing your mindset of deep thinking time 09:31 Why we don’t do our best thinking at work 09:45 Two ways to start simplifying a chaotic workday 11:36 Why meetings with no agenda can be a time waster 12:43 How to shift your day so you’re not constantly checking emails 14:03 The definition of meaningful work 17:02 The link between innovation and simplification 18:08 3 Common pitfalls to successfully simplifying one’s work 21:19 Why one of the biggest barriers in transformation is leadership 24:08 Simplicity as it relates to tools, training, and messaging 24:45 How to apply the tool: Kill a stupid rule 28:55 Contributing meaningfully and effectively to improve your value 29:20 The future of work and how to improve work and life 32:14 The best place to start to start simplifying your life…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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38| What’s the Future of Lean? [with James Womack] 30:44

hace 6 weeks30:44

30:44

What have we really learned after four decades of lean? Is lean thinking still relevant today? And importantly — what needs to change to ensure its future success? In the previous episode, I sat down with James Womack, founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute, to look back on 40 years of lean thinking and management since the publication of The Machine That Changed the World. In this episode, we look ahead to the future of lean and dig into big questions, including those submitted by listeners: Is there a better term than “lean”? What would Jim do differently if he could reintroduce lean to the world? How do AI and new technologies fit with the application of lean principles? What’s Jim’s greatest surprise over the past 45 years? Jim doesn’t hold back in this discussion — and provides his advice as he passes the baton to the next generation of lean leaders. YOU’LL LEARN: Why lean principles still apply even as technology evolves and takes over tasks once done by people What’s stopping organizations from fully embracing lean principles and practices Why lean must be leader-led—not outsourced to consultants or internal operational excellence teams How developing people’s capabilities for problem-solving at all levels is critical to success The true role and purpose of management If you are passionate about the potential of lean’s impact now and in the future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. ABOUT MY GUEST: James P. Womack, PhD, is the former research director of MIT’s International Motor Vehicle Program who led the team that coined the term “lean production” to describe the Toyota Production System. Along with Daniel Jones, he co-authored “The Machine That Changed the World”, “Lean Thinking”, and “Lean Solutions”. Jim is the founder of Lean Enterprise Institute where he continues to serve as a senior advisor. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/38 Listen to Part 1 where lean has failed and succeeded: ChainOfLearning.com/37 Connect with James Womack: linkedin.com/in/womack-james-52763b212 Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Learn about my Japan Study Trip program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 01:48 Two things Jim would do differently in introducing lean 03:92 Why consultant-driven Kaizen falls short 05:29 The origin of the word “lean” 08:29 The alternative label instead of the term "lean" 10:26 How lean intersects with emerging and established technologies 14:43 Analyzing AI’s effectiveness through the value stream 16:02 Jim’s greatest surprise of the 40 + years of lean 19:10 Changes at Toyota’s Operations Management Development Division 22:27 Why problem-solving skills matter at every level 23:34 Jim’s parting advice for the next generation of lean leaders…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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37| Lean Has Failed (or Has It?) [with James Womack] 52:52

hace 8 weeks52:52

52:52

“Lean has failed.” That’s the bold statement James Womack—founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute and MIT researcher whose team introduced the term “lean” to the world—made at a conference where we both recently spoke. That really stuck with me. Has lean really failed? If so, what can we do to course correct? To explore this, I invited him to share his reflections and experiences over the past 40 years—where his vision for lean management has fallen short, where it’s succeeded, and what we can learn for the future. In this episode, we take a hard look at lean’s evolution, from James’ original vision following the publication of “The Machine that Changed the World” nearly 4 decades ago to its real-world impact today. Tune in for powerful stories and insights from one of the founders of the lean movement, a chance to rethink what’s next for lean leadership, and how you can adjust your approach towards organizational transformation. YOU’LL LEARN: The 5 critical interlocking elements of successful lean enterprise transformations — and what’s missing How to build systems and practices to sustain a lean culture that truly supports frontline teams Why most companies get their approach to operational excellence backwards and the challenge of getting leaders to see lean principles as the key to getting results Why off-shoring and out-sourcing aren’t long-term solutions The biggest challenges leaders face with lean transformation Don't miss Part 2 of this conversation where we explore lean’s future, its relevance for today’s global lean community, and James’ advice for the next generation of leaders. ABOUT MY GUEST: James P. Womack, PhD, is the former research director of MIT’s International Motor Vehicle Program who led the team that coined the term “lean production” to describe the Toyota Production System. Along with Daniel Jones, he co-authored “The Machine That Changed the World”, “Lean Thinking”, and “Lean Solutions”. James is the founder of Lean Enterprise Institute where he continues to serve as a senior advisor. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/37 Connect with James Womack: linkedin.com/in/womack-james-52763b212 Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 02:41 James’ vision of what lean’s impact would be today 07:25 Five interlocking pieces of lean transformation and what’s been missed 07:49 Misconception of Kaizen 14:27 Challenges in sustaining lean practices 19:00 Lean leadership if implemented the right way 21:58 Impact of offshoring and outsourcing 24:29 Barriers to senior management buy-in 26:42 Challenges in the frontline healthcare system 30:27 The importance of daily management and Kaizen 37:46 Contributions to GE Appliance’s success 39:28 The meaning of constancy of purpose 41:04 Importance of knowing your north star 41:55 The creation of Hoshin planning and why it fails the first year 43:54 How we get out of the short-term approach…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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36| What's Your Purpose? Weaving Warp and Weft with Intention 22:06

hace 10 weeks22:06

22:06

How often do you pause to get a clearer view of your purpose and learn how your life experiences influence your leadership impact? Whether it’s in the moment to reflect on a recent situation or zooming out at a major milestone to see the bigger picture, reflection can be incredibly powerful. I’m hitting pause myself this week as I turn the big 5-0! I share two concepts that have helped me understand what it means to live a life of intention and purpose. First, the metaphor of warp and weft—a powerful way to understand the interconnection of the known and discovered elements of your life and see the patterns that emerge in your life’s fabric. Second, the deeper meaning of my guiding word—Intention. I explore how I’ve come to see that Intention = Heart + Direction® and the energetic vitality that uncovering your deeper purpose can have in both your personal life and leadership. If you are looking for ways to understand your purpose, reflect, to make more intentional choices, this episode is for you. Let’s explore how you too can lead with intention and can weave purpose into everything you do. YOU’LL LEARN: The importance of reflection to learn and adjust and to understand your purpose How the weaving metaphor of warp and weft enhances self-discovery Why Intention = Heart + Direction® and how to set powerful intentions to align your daily actions with your heart The Japanese word Kokorozashi (志) and how its deep meaning can be applied to leadership impact IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources referenced in today’s show: ChainOfLearning.com/36 Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson For additional inspiration and guidance around understanding your own warp and weft, read my book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn," along with the companion workbook: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 00:40 Reflecting and celebrating turning 50 02:50 The history of the warp and weft metaphor 05:32 The difference between the warp and weft threads, the known and the discovered 06:27 Questions to ask yourself to apply the warp and weft metaphor in your life 09:32 The importance of “zooming out” to see to examine your own fabric of life 11:01 Questions to ask yourself to reflect on your your past life experiences 11:53 The relationship between the warp and weft metaphor with setting intention 12:24 Discovering the richer meaning of Intention = Heart + Direction® 13:36 The meaning of the two Japanese kanji symbols for intention 14:58 How to apply the concept of Kokorozashi to find your leadership purpose 16:54 Questions to ask yourself to embody your Kokorozashi to make a bigger impact 17:21 The importance of reflection at the micro level 18:35 Leveraging Kokorozashi to help take actions that are aligned with your purpose…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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35| Stuck in the Middle? Embrace Both/And Thinking to Drive Results [with Wendy Smith] 37:43

hace 12 weeks37:43

37:43

What do you do when you’re stuck between two conflicting options? Deliver short-term results or take a long-term view? Focus on business outcomes or people development? Help by being the expert with the answer or a coach asking questions? For most of us, these competing choices are a source of conflict. We deal with uncertainty by asserting certainty that there are two distinct options to choose between. But what if there’s a way to embrace both? That’s why I invited Wendy Smith – award-winning psychologist and co-author of “Both/And Thinking” – to share her insights on how to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands. The most successful leaders and change agents have learned the power of navigating paradoxical tradeoffs and reframing problems to discover expansive solutions that didn’t initially seem possible. Tune in to learn how to shift from that “either/or” mindset and embrace a “both/and” approach to tackle tough decisions, unlock new possibilities, and lead with greater impact. YOU’LL LEARN: Can you really have it all? – The difference between an and/and vs both/and mindset A three step process to overcome dilemmas to create a more sustainable outcome How to reframe a problem when faced with a seemingly paradoxical choice Three different patterns of risk when you’re not able to shift from the either/or to the both/and thinking The benefits of being comfortable with the discomfort of learning something new ABOUT MY GUEST: Wendy Smith is the co-author of “ Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems ,” an award-winning psychologist and professor at the Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware. She’s spent her career studying paradoxes in leadership and on a mission to help individuals and organizations turn problems into possibilities. Wendy's passion lies in helping leaders tackle the complex challenges of interpersonal dynamics, team performance, organizational change, and innovation to transform their organizations and the world. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/35 Connect with Wendy Smith: linkedin.com/in/wendykimsmith Wendy’s book: bothandthinking.net Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS: 02:12 Misconception of both/and meaning 02:44 And/and vs. both/and 06:49 Balancing the roles of expert and coach 07:03 Balancing long-term innovation with immediate business needs 08:06 3-step process of dealing with dilemma 09:50 Expanding on and/and vs both/and 12:03 How to approach paradoxical choices 15:23 3 patterns of risk when you don’t shift to both/and thinking 20:15 Getting comfortable with discomfort 22:03 Embracing both/and mindset creates growth mindset 24:36 Bringing both/and thinking to your personal life 25:50 Both/and thinking at the organizational level 27:44 Integrating technical process improvement with people development 29:35 Enabling both/and thinking at the organizational level…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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34| Why Change Initiatives Fail (And What You Can Do) [with Michael Bungay Stanier] 37:36

hace 14 weeks37:36

37:36

Why do 70-90% of change initiatives fail? That’s a staggering statistic. In many cases, new leadership comes in, economic pressures rise, or the next "flavor of the month" initiative takes over. What’s happening and what can you do to counteract this trend? And if you are a change leader, lean practitioner, or continuous improvement coach, how do you avoid this becoming a career limiting move? To help us answer this, I invited Michael Bungay Stanier, leadership expert and bestselling author of six books, including The Coaching Habit and How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to share his insights on leading personal and organizational change. Success in leading change comes not only from making structural shifts, but also from fostering curiosity and building strong human relationships. It’s time to shift the failure rate to a success rate for your vision. Focus your energy on amplifying your influence and getting the buy-in needed from key people to create meaningful transformation. YOU’LL LEARN: How to reverse the trend of failed change initiatives What to do when others don’t align with your vision for change How to create agency in the people you want to influence Tips on how to stay curious longer to make a strong impact The importance of linking process improvement and people for lasting change ABOUT MY GUEST: Michael Bungay Stanier is at the forefront of shaping how organizations and leaders around the world succeed through focusing on curiosity and human relationships. He’s the author of six books, which between them have sold more than a million copies, and is best known for The Coaching Habit , the best-selling coaching book of this century. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/34 Connect with Michael Bungay Stanier: linkedin.com/in/michaelbungaystanier Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Sign up for Michael’s newsletter and podcasts: MBS.works Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment : kbjanderson.com/katalyst TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 01:04 Reasons why change initiatives fail 04:56 Two foundational challenges for leading change 07:38 The link between process improvement and integrating the people component 13:23 Two strategies to stay curious longer and create lasting impact 16:26 Tips to reverse the trend of failed change initiatives 20:20 Steps to embrace your influence and create the impact you want when leading change 22:31 Defining A and B list relationships 24:04 Improving the quality of working relationships 24:45 How to build BPR (best possible relationships) and keystone conversations to discuss how to best work together before diving into the work 26:13 Addressing challenging conversations to clarify roles and expectations upfront 29:55 One way to increase influence and build human connection for impactful conversations 31:11 Michael’s new project in launching a new podcast…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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33| Ask Me Anything: How the Right Questions Shape Your Leadership Impact 37:34

hace 16 weeks37:34

37:34

What questions are on your mind? That’s the question I posed to you last month when I asked you to “Ask me anything!” I received many great questions and, as promised, I’ve picked five to dive into during this episode. Asking the right questions is a fundamental part of leading transformational change. It’s not just about finding answers—it’s about understanding why we ask our questions and how we react when others ask us. It’s just as important to know the reasons behind why we’re asking. What’s the intention behind the question? What are we hoping to learn or uncover? This is where true understanding happens—both for the person asking and the one being asked. So the next time someone asks you a question, take a moment to ask a follow-up question. You both might be surprised with the answer! Now, it’s time to dive into your questions! YOU’LL LEARN: How to shift from a “command and control” leadership style to a culture focused on continuous improvement Common obstacles organizations face when implementing transformational change and how to overcome them How you can effectively balance the need for short-term results with the pursuit of long-term strategic goals while developing people Insights on transitioning from a lean leader in an organization to starting a consultancy business How continuous improvement teams can amplify their impact and link leadership coaching to driving real business outcomes What additional questions are on your mind? Head over to ChainOfLearning.com/ASK and ask me your questions so we can continue to explore them in future episodes of Chain of Learning. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/33 Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Download the KATALYST™ self-assessment to fast-track your leadership impact: kbjanderson.com/Katalyst Download the free guide "3 Tips to Break The Telling Habit®” and discover how you can start asking better questions: kbjanderson.com/telling-habit Be the first to know about new episodes and other resources: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Ask your questions for future episodes: ChainOfLearning.com/Ask TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 0:39 How asking questions can spark a culture of continuous learning and improvement 2:04 The impact of leaders defaulting to immediately answering questions 4:28 QUESTION 1 : Moving from command and control to continuous improvement 09:06 QUESTION 2 overcoming obstacles to transformational change 16:14 QUESTION 3: How to balance short-term results with long-term goals while developing people 19:00 QUESTION 4: Insights on transitioning from a corporate leader to starting a consultancy business 30:35 QUESTION 5: How a continuous improvement team within an organization increase and demonstrate impact…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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32| When Crisis Strikes, Hold on to Your Purpose [with Isaac Mitchell] 51:19

hace 18 weeks51:19

51:19

Is your organization stuck in a constant state of crisis, where everything feels like an urgent, must-fix-now situation? As a leader, cutting through that noise is key to prioritizing and aligning your team’s efforts to focus on what really matters. In this episode, Isaac Mitchell, VP of Operational Excellence at Ballad Health System, shares his experience leading through Hurricane Helene and how he's fostering an organizational culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Isaac shares how his leadership journey—from engineer at Toyota to executive in healthcare—shaped his approach to real crises. He discusses how understanding purpose—his own, his team’s, and the organization’s—helps him distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s truly important. By focusing on what matters, you can create the impact you’re striving for. To me, that’s what living with intention is—knowing your purpose and aligning your actions to make it happen. YOU’LL LEARN: How to distinguish between true crises and perceived urgency The importance of aligning organizational and personal purpose to drive strategic success A framework for where to spend your time as a leader to build a high-performing organization How to demonstrate respect for people by encouraging a personal understanding of purpose and owning the thinking process, not the answers Practical tips for building a people-centered culture that drives sustainable growth In our conversation about intention and goals, Isaac asks about my next big goal—listen for the big reveal, never shared publicly until now! I’d love to hear your thoughts. ABOUT MY GUEST: Isaac Mitchell is an experienced strategy deployment executive and is currently a Vice President at Ballad Health and a guest lecturer at the University of Tennessee’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/32 Connect with Isaac Mitchell: linkedin.com/in/isaacmitchell Join Isaac’s Book Clubs: Lean Book Club and Lean Coffee Club Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Join me on my Japan Study Trip leadership program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip Learn about the warp and weft metaphor in my book: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn and companion workbook TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 3:08 Navigating crises during Hurricane Helene through community and shared purpose 9:00 True crises vs. perceived urgency 10:58 Avoid falling into the "expert trap" during crises 14:10 Respecting people’s development and using Gemba 16:19 How to use daruma dolls in goal setting 20:57 Katie’s BIG new goal reveal 22:25 Using a hanko when coaching for problem solving 30:36 Isaac’s North Star for the year and Japan Study Trip lessons 32:11 How Gemba helps leaders prioritize what's essential 36:23 Setting big goals and using them to push for growth 41:34 Value of cultural and business learning 45:54 The warp and weft metaphor for goal setting Spaces still available for the May 2025 Japan Study Trip - apply now!…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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31 | How Reflection Fuels Growth: Celebrating One Year of Chain of Learning 32:50

hace 20 weeks32:50

32:50

It’s Chain of Learning’s first anniversary this month! And it’s the time of year for gratitude and thanks – and for reflection. Thank you for listening and for being part of this Chain of Learning that we are growing together. To mark this podcast milestone, I want to practice what I talk about on nearly every episode – reflection – as I believe it IS the foundation of learning and impact. In this episode, I share my reflections from the Chain of Learning’s first year and walk you through the process I use and teach for reflection – so you can apply this same reflection process to whatever you are working on, both professionally and personally. Whether you’re leading teams, fostering innovation, or driving continuous improvement – or simply looking to take the next step forward in your life – purposeful reflection is the foundation for your ultimate success. YOU’LL LEARN: The meaning of the Japanese word Hansei – self-reflection – and the risk if you get caught more in doing and don’t take time to reflect How you can use the Plan-Do-Study-Adjust (PDSA) cycle to improve and why I suggest we call it the Study-Adjust-Plan-Do (SAPD) cycle The 3 ways to reflect with intention even while short on time The backstory to how this podcast started and personal reflections of what I’ve learned and adjusted over producing 31 episodes The questions to ask yourself for meaningful reflection I invite you to embed reflection into your practice — not just as a one-time exercise but as a regular habit – that guides you toward excellence. Thanks for the opportunity to grow and strengthen our Chain of Learning together. Here’s to the journey of growth and another year of reflections ahead! IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes and links: ChainOfLearning.com/31 Comment and share your process for reflection on LinkedIn here Check out my website: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Get my book “ Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn ” – LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 2:37 The meaning of the Japanese word Hansei 4:11 The 5 steps to applying Hansei and using the (SAPD) cycle 5:28 Reflection Process 1: immediate self reflection after an event, even if you’re short on time 6:27 Reflection Process 2: reflect with others or in a group setting to get feedback and share ideas 8:05 Reflection Process 3: reflect over time by looking back 9:38 Backstory of how the Chain of Learning podcast started 12:37 Process launching the podcast and the challenges and lessons learned 18:53 Personal growth and what I have learned over time since starting the podcast 31:47 Questions to ask yourself to add reflection in your daily, monthly and yearly process 31:35 Share your process for reflection on LinkedIn or via email…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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30 | Fostering Excellence Through Joy and Respect for People [with Stephanie Bursek] 40:45

hace 22 weeks40:45

40:45

Has your organization been making progress on its continuous improvement journey, only to find things starting to stall? Is your team hesitant to share ideas, or are your lean or process improvement initiatives viewed mainly as cost-cutting measures rather than a comprehensive strategy for long-term success? Perhaps you've been focusing on just one side of the path of excellence—improvement processes and tools—while overlooking a critical component: respect for people. In this episode, Stephanie Bursek, Director of Human Resources at TrippNT, shares how her company's made a leap forward in their lean transformation by leading with the heart to focus on people and joy. By going beyond process improvement tools to deeply focusing on people first, Stephanie and her executive team have fostered greater collaboration, trust, and growth, resulting in a thriving, engaged workplace with more problem-solving and innovation. Tune in to learn how embedding respect for people into your organization’s foundation can drive sustainable cultural transformation and elevate both business results and employee engagement. YOU’LL LEARN: How to create balance in your organization between the pillars of continuous improvement and respect for people The importance of navigating tension between getting results and allowing time for your team to grow on the path towards achieving them Why performance management should be a two-way street that includes upward feedback for continuous learning and alignment How embedding respect for people and psychological safety into your organization can lead to improved results and enhance employee experiences The benefits of a people-centered culture for elevating both fulfillment and performance ABOUT MY GUEST: Stephanie is a seasoned Human Resources executive with a passion for how to create a thriving organizational culture. As the Director for Human Resources at TrippNT, a family-owned manufacturing company based in the U.S., she's focused on building a unique organizational culture by uniting the pillars of continuous improvement and respect for people. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/30 Connect with Stephanie Bursek: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-bursek-sphr-0a7b801 Check out my website: KBJAnderson.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson My Japan Study Trip leadership program: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS: 04:35 Stephanie’s realization of the missing element in her organization 08:10 The importance of a people-first approach to achieve results & improvements 12:11 The impact of the Collaborative Model for increasing productivity 14:15 The benefits of a psychologically safe environment that fosters respect & leads to better business results 19:03 The provocative quote from “Tree Ring Management” that always get jaw drops 20:27 How the leadership team at TrippNT models behavior that creates an engaging environment 24:10 Examples of a people-entered environment created through humility & resilience…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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29 | Accelerate Decision-Making: Innovate through the Unknown [with Atif Rafiq] 38:10

hace 24 weeks38:10

38:10

Do you ever feel like you're stuck between chaos and bureaucracy, unable to break free from the status quo? You are probably facing a common challenge that other leaders and change practitioners experience: how to navigate uncertainty while trying to drive innovation and agility in your organization. In this episode, Atif Rafiq, seasoned C-suite executive and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “Decision Sprint” shares what he’s learned about leading through ambiguity to drive digital and cultural transformations at global companies like Amazon, McDonald’s, and MGM Resorts. Atif breaks down the Decision Sprint framework to help you bring clarity into the unknown by moving problem-solving upstream, enabling you and your teams to make faster, smarter decisions that drive meaningful change and innovation. Uncertainty IS what most organizations are facing today. Relying on outdated leadership models and approaches to problem-solving keeps you trapped facing the same issues year after year without real progress. Tune into this episode and gain insights how you can break free from this cycle and embrace new approaches to navigate ambiguity and empower you to innovate and lead by making decisions faster, smarter, and better. YOU’LL LEARN: The difference between boring problems vs. creative problems and how to bring authentic interest to solving the “boring problems” in your organization The risk in relying solely on “known” solutions instead of exploring innovative ways to solve problems Why organizations need to start thinking more upstream rather than focusing on what’s in front of them What the Decision Sprint Model is and how you can use it to get ahead of problems and move problem-solving upstream The difference between bureaucracy and chaos and how to avoid being stuck between the two Enter for chance to win a signed copy of "Decision Sprint". Register by November 8th: ChainOfLearning.com/29 or https://kbjanderson.com/giveaways/decision-sprint/ ABOUT MY GUEST: Atif Rafiq has reshaped industries and generated billions in revenue for some of the world's leading companies including McDonald’s, Volvo, MGM Resorts, Amazon, Yahoo!, and AOL. He's the CEO of Ritual and the Wall Street bestselling author of "Decision Sprint: The new way to Innovate into the Unknown and move from Strategy into Action. " IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/29 Connect with Atif Rafiq: www.linkedin.com/in/atif1/ Order your copy of “Decision Sprint” by Atif Rafiq: www.decisionsprint.com/book Check out my website: KBJAnderson.com/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: [2:24] Atif’s massive career shift and the challenge of changing the culture of a large established organization [5:51] The risk of staying in a safe zone rather than navigating through ambiguity [7:52] Boring problems versus creative problems and an example of the importance of taking interest in a “boring” problem [14:14] The Decision Sprint Model and how it helps move thinking and problem solving upstream [16:21] The role of experimentation in problem solving and the benefits of collaboration to gain insights [20:10] Concept of alignment and how it connects exploration and decision making [25:57] Difference between bureaucracy and chaos [29:11] Upstream and downstream work and creating different systems for managing both…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

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28 | Leading Organizational Transformation the Right Way [with Cindy Hinds] 33:55

hace 26 weeks33:55

33:55

Do you ever feel stuck as a leader? It may seem like no matter how many problems you solve or tools you implement, you're still not seeing progress toward a sustainable organizational culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Maybe you have been leading change the wrong way. In this episode, Cindy Hinds shares what she’s learned from 25 years of experience about how to lead organizational change the right way. She highlights what she has learned from her journey from being a technical expert to becoming a transformational change leader within a global organization who is equipping leaders at all levels to solve problems and innovating to drive business performance. Transformational leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers. Connect with your purpose, step away from being the "doer," and empower others so that you – and they – can see better results. YOU’LL LEARN: How to implement transformational leadership practices that create lasting organizational change, not just short-term results The importance of using simple terms instead of technical jargon to help get buy-in and help others understand the problems they need to solve Strategies to manage burnout by surrounding yourself with a supportive community and focusing on what truly matters How to bring your whole self to the workplace to fulfill your complete purpose and build trust within the organization The benefits of the maturity model to help leaders close the gap between their current condition and the results they want to achieve ABOUT MY GUEST: Cindy Hinds is the Global Director of Enterprise Excellence at A.O. Smith, manufacturing company with sites based across North America, Asia and Europe, where she is responsible for architecting A.O. Smith’s journey to create a culture of highly engaged people who are aligned in solving problems and innovating to continuously improve. IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/28 Connect with Cindy Hinds: www.linkedin.com/in/cindyhinds My website: KBJAnderson.com/ Download the Change KATALYST™ Self–Assessment to discover the 8 competencies you must master to become a transformational change leader: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: [5:13] Leading the right way and asking questions for a continuous improvement culture [8:12] Finding gaps through Gemba to transform your approach as a leader [11:18] Franklin Covey’s Speed of Trust Curriculum to connect behaviors to business outcomes [15:06] Using “Nemawashi” to prepare for future actions or business decisions [18:30] Focusing on a people-centric culture to avoid conflicting values [21:16] Real-life examples of implementing sustainable practices for continuous improvement [24:31] The maturity model to understand your current condition and ideal state…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

1
27 | 3 Practices to Become a Skillful Facilitator 27:30

hace 28 weeks27:30

27:30

Ever felt like your meetings or workshops aren’t moving the needle? How would you like to facilitate your next work session with confidence and ensure that your leaders are leaving motivated, aligned, and action-oriented? Whether you're a continuous improvement practitioner, consultant, manager, or executive—facilitation is a crucial skill to master to become a transformational change leader. It’s the key to how you influence teams to shift behaviors, make impactful decisions, and drive meaningful results for the organization. But great facilitation doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode, we dive in behind the scenes to uncover the three key facilitation practices you must master to become a skillful facilitator, and some mistakes that you can avoid, so that you can ensure greater impact and make it easy for the team to get the results they need. Whether you're working with senior leaders or your own teams, becoming a skillful facilitator is key to becoming the go-to person for driving success. It’s not just a valuable skill—it’s the foundation for establishing your credibility and ensuring that your team is engaged, aligned, and empowered to make informed decisions that move the organization forward. YOU’LL LEARN: Your role as a facilitator to create the process your group needs to meet the end goal How to work with your stakeholders to define the goal of the session so that you can design an agenda to get to the right outcomes The importance of creating a structured plan while maintaining flexibility to respond to what the group needs in the moment How to to leverage reflection for yourself and the group before, during and after the session to create a bigger impact Mistakes to avoid to become a master facilitator IMPORTANT LINKS: Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/27 Work with me: KBJAnderson.com Change KATALYST™ Self–Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson RELATED PODCAST EPISODES: Episode 9: The 8 Essential Skills to Become a Transformational Change Katalyst™ TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: [3:40] Understand your role as a facilitator [6:23] The importance of knowing the goal of the session before starting, whether it’s a workshop, leadership retreat, or a team meeting [13:06] Learn how to create structure with flexibility by making real-time decisions to adjust based on the group’s needs [18:01] Three ways to build reflection before, during, and after each session to ensure the impact of your session [22:09] How to reflect with key stakeholders and yourself to grow your skills as a facilitator…

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

1
26 | Harness the Power of Storytelling in Leadership [with Carol Cox] 37:42

hace 30 weeks37:42