Lean Six Sigma Bursts
Episodes
E138: Using Employee Surveys and Paired t tests for Measuring Improvement
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss a specific method for capturing process improvements using surveys, and how you can isolate the improvements so that the di...
E137: Lean Six Sigma Training Simulations and Exercises
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share a list of the simulations I use in my training classes to teach Lean and Six Sigma methods and techniques. To see the entire ...
E136: Review of DMAIC Roadmap for Improvement Projects
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I do a quick refr...
E135: Future of Six Sigma software and AI
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I discuss the rea...
E134: Free Virtual Lean Project Program for Nonprofits
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Next week on February 11th, I'll be holding a kickoff session for a training and coaching program with people who work at a nonprofit organization...
E133: Does a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification Boost My Salary?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is from an article I wrote a few months ago in response to questions about Six Sigma certification and the impact on your salary and prom...
E132: Announcing free course "Applications of Lean in Healthcare"
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem, I have posted numerous courses over the past few months, and quite a few of them are free. If you're not aw...
E131: The Big 3 Quality Improvement Tools for the Food and Beverage Industry
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The following is the summary of the December 3rd webinar I presented called "Quality Improvement Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing"I...
E130: The Importance of Process Logs in Problem Solving
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share details about a tool that I call "Process Log" but maybe you've heard it called something else.It's an appr...
E129: History of Lean (part of new LSS White Belt course)
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share a module from the new Lean Six Sigma White Belt course I have recently released for free on the LeanSixSigmaEcosystem.com pla...
E128: TQM at the State of Iowa began in 1992?
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share one of the articles I found from October 1992 about a government efficiency program at the State of Iowa, called Total Qualit...
E127: What is Lean Coffee and Unconferences?
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share a short presentation I gave about the concept of Lean Coffee this week. It is an informal meeting structure where participant...
E126: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 2 of 2)
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share the second section of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics"...
E125: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 1 of 2)
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share the first two sections of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics"N...
E124: Using Lean Six Sigma to Reduce Patient Medication Complications (Audio by AI)
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share the summary of a project I worked on almost 20 years, but is still relevant today. A grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids (I...
E123: Applying Net Promoter Score (NPS) to a Zero Waste Conference (Audio by AI)
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how ...
E122: Applying Risk Management to Conference Planning (Audio by AI)
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used ris...
E121: I can help you become a Lean Six Sigma "rockstar"!
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I explain a virtual coaching and mentoring program that will be starting next week.Whether you’re rolling out a new project, stuck ...
E120: Lean at Home - Reducing External Storage Space Costs
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share the results of a "Lean at Home" project I performed within the last year as part of a training and certification pr...
E119: Why DOGE should utilize Lean Six Sigma like Pete Ricketts did in Nebraska
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share the audio from a video of a speech given by former Nebraska governor and current US Senator, Pete Ricketts. He discusses how ...
E118: Real-life Examples of Hypothesis Testing
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss how hypothesis testing can help you draw more statistically valid conclusions fro...
E117: The Importance of Data and the 1948 Presidential Election
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss the importance of data in improvement (seems obvious, yet not always present). I ...
E116: How a battery manufacturer saved nearly $1 million by completing only 7 Lean Six Sigma projects
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share a successful case study of a Lean Six Sigma training and certification program conducted for a battery manufacturer about 2 y...
E115: How I use AI for my Lean Six Sigma Consulting
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share a short segment of a recorded presentation I gave to the Continuous Process Improvement Forum hosted within the National Indu...
E114: Tackling Green with Lean - Energy Treasure Hunts
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the 2024 Lean Global Connection virtual conference, our Lean Sustainability community shared some tips and methods to help apply Lean to Green init...
E113: Explaining Energy Treasure Hunts with AI
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Energy Treasure Hunts can be described as a combination of gemba walks and kaizen events in Lean methodology, with the goal to identify and reduce ene...
E112: Lean Six Sigma for Good
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the last 2 episodes, I shared best practices in process improvement with students in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Executive MBA Program...
E111: Lean Six Sigma Best Practices - Part 2
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 2nd part of the list of best practices in process improvement I shared with students in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Executive MB...
E110: Lean Six Sigma Best Practices - Part 1
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a list of best practices in process improvement I shared with students in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Executive MBA Program in Bo...
E109: The Lean Journey at Rockwell Collins with Clay Jones - Part 6
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the final part of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily invo...
E108: The Lean Journey at Rockwell Collins with Clay Jones - Part 5
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 5 of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in ...
E107: The Lean Journey at Rockwell Collins with Clay Jones - Part 4
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 4 of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in ...
E106: The Lean Journey at Rockwell Collins with Clay Jones - Part 3
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 3 of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in ...
E105: The Lean Journey at Rockwell Collins with Clay Jones - Part 2
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 2 of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in ...
E104: The Lean Journey at Rockwell Collins with Clay Jones - Part 1
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the next few podcasts, I'll be sharing clips from a 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1...
E103: How to gather data before starting an improvement project
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a recent class I taught, we were discussing the Project Charter, which asks you to fill in the baseline data for the metric you're trying to im...
E102: How Green Belt training can benefit you personally and your organization
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I share a short clip from a recent training class, explaining the benefits of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training to an organization, ...
E101: My thoughts on former Boeing Quality Manager (John Barnett) interview prior to death
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 101, I share an interview clip from John Barnett, former Boeing Quality Manager, as he discusses the culture of quality that might explain ...
E100: How 6 M's and Fishbone (Ishikawa) or Cause and Effect Diagrams Can Help Reduce Water Consumption Usage in your Company
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 100, I share a segment of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course I conducted, where I went into details about the Fishbone Diagram and...
E99: Excerpt from the book, "Lean Six Sigma for Good - Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)"
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 97, we released an excerpt by Elisabeth Swan from "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)" This is an excerp...
E98: Lean Six Sigma training and Coaching Program Case Studies
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I expand on Podcast #96, where I talked about the questions to consider in a training and coaching program. I go through 6 different...
E97: Excerpt from the book, "Lean Six Sigma for Good - Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)"
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is an excerpt from the audiobook version of "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)"Elisabeth Swan shares the stor...
E96: What is the best option for effective Lean Six Sigma training and coaching?
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When I talk to clients about training their team, that usually opens up a lot of questions in my mind that we'll need to discuss before I can give...
E95: Hypothesis Testing Basics - Can James Bond tell the difference between a shaken or stirred martini?
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To explain the concepts of hypothesis testing (null and alternative hypothesis statements), I use an example of James Bond. His famous line is "s...
E94: Interested in a Free "Lean at Home" Coaching Program?
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back in 2020, I created a course called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" and I'm offering a free coaching p...
E93: An overview of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In one of my recent Six Sigma classes, I provide a simplistic explanation of SPC and control charts, and why they are essential to detecting problems ...
E92: Should my kaizen event be a planning session or a working session?
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In one of my recent Lean classes, I discuss the difference between planning kaizen events and working kaizen events. Planning events end up with a 90-...
E91: How can I get the most frontline worker participation in a kaizen working event?
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In one of my recent Lean classes, I discuss ways to engage front line workers in working kaizen events. I talk about the differences between working a...
E90: Free Lean and Sustainability Webinar Series - Nov 28th and 30th
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I've been helping set up a webinar series with support from the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum and the Iowa Lean Consortium. There are two webina...
E89: Q&A from Six Sigma training - What to do when data collection system is under development?
12 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I answer another question in one of my Six Sigma classes. The student said they were having supplier issues, but the data wasn't ...
E88: Q&A from Six Sigma training - What if solutions are part of your Six Sigma project charter?
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I answer a question in one of my Six Sigma classes. The student said they were not sure if their project could be used, because it al...
E87: Six Sigma in Real Life: Taguchi Loss Function for Hotel Pool Temps and the Solar Eclipse
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I discuss the Taguchi Loss Function again, this time using some real-life examples. I discuss hotel pool temperatures, solar eclipses...
E86: Camping and the 8 Wastes (TIM WOODS)
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go through TIM WOODS, which is an acronym to describe the 8 types of waste in a process. As an example, I discuss how the 8 wastes ...
E85: Six Sigma Criticisms #1 - The Motorola 1.5 Sigma Shift
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss some common criticisms about Six Sigma that I've been hearing about over the years. These tend to make their rounds on ...
E84: Using Process Mapping and Regression to Reduce Electricity Usage
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss my work with a client that is trying to improve their sustainability score. One of the next steps is to establish a goal fo...
E83: Clip from Interview with Climate Change Professional David Saunders
26 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss an interview and discussion I had with Climate Change Professional and former Quality executive, David Saunders. We talk ab...
E82: Q&A from SPC presentation - What software to use? What about nonnormal data?
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share some audio from a presentation I gave to Lean Portland for their July Happy Hour. I discussed Statistical Process Control (SP...
E81: Does Toyota use SPC Control Charts?
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the audio from a presentation I gave to Lean Portland for their July Happy Hour. I discuss Statistical Process Control (SPC) ...
E80: Reduce environmental impacts in your business with Ecology's Lean/Green program
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the Washington State Department of Ecology Lean and Green program that I've been supporting the last few years as a con...
E79: How to measure variation using Range and Standard Deviation
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss how to measure variation in a process, using Range and Standard Deviation. Variation is an important concept to understand ...
E78: How to measure central tendency using the mean and median (and which is better)
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The following topic was taken from one of my recent Yellow Belt courses, explaining how to use Mean (or average) and Median to measure the middle of a...
E77: Client Survey Shows Daily Huddles Improve Communication and Engagement Based on Paired T-Test Analysis
03 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For one of my clients, we conducted a survey of their employees to understand if daily huddles were helping them be more engaged in their work. The re...
E76: Why You Should Not Skip Over Measure and Analyze in your DMAIC Improvement Project
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share some audio about DMAIC from a recent class I taught, and I thought you'd find it helpful. I express the importance of ign...
E75: Lean in Real Life - Small improvements add up with water cooler and dealing with small samples
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss an improvement I made at home, that saved time in my personal life, and why small improvements are worth pursuing and not o...
E74: 10 things to consider before completing the DMAIC Control Phase
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the importance of the Control phase in a Six Sigma DMAIC Improvement project, including the key considerations to make befo...
E73: Women in Manufacturing Panel Discussion on Lean Manufacturing
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the audio from a panel discussion I was asked to participate on Wednesday this week. The discussion was focused on Lean Manuf...
E72: How to finalize a project when results might take years to measure?
18 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I provide some tips on how to close out a project or improvement effort, when the primary metric may longer than a year before you mi...
E71: New book release, Lean Six Sigma for Good (Volume 2)
28 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss a project I'm really excited about, the 2nd book release in the Lean Six Sigma for Good book series. This is the 2nd collec...
E70: Use ECRS or SPACER to help brainstorm improvement solutions
14 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss two acronyms to help you remember ideas on how you can improve a process. ECRS stands for Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, an...
E69: Use Action Priority in your next FMEA instead of only using RPN
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss Action Priority (AP), a newer method for determining which risks from an FMEA should be addressed. Traditionally, the multi...
E68: Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program Starting in 2023
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explain a new virtual coaching program I'm launching in January of 2023. If you or your team would be interested in completin...
E67: Why Single-stall Production Systems are more efficient than Assembly Lines
15 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explain what a "single-stall production system" means, and why it is superior to the traditional single piece flow assembly line. ...
E66: 16 Surprising But Powerful Concepts I've Learned About Lean
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I read off an article I just wrote, based on my 20+ years of teaching Lean concepts and principles. These are the topics that get the...
E65: Lean Case Studies Across Different Industries - Manufacturing, Government and Healthcare
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different industry case studies applying Lean princi...
E64: Applying Lean Thinking and Process Improvement to Nonprofits and NGOs Case Studies
17 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different examples of nonprofits and NGOs applying L...
E63: Six Sigma in Real Life - Analyzing Iowa Football Turnover Data for Improvement
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I read off a recent article I wrote, breaking down the turnover data from the University of Iowa 2021 football season. I explain how ...
E62: 5S and the KonMari method
18 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I read off an article I wrote back a few years, about how the 5S workplace organization methods compare to the popular home organizin...
E61: Lean in Real Life - Defining Key Metrics for a Project
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss how I helped someone select a key metric for their Six Sigma project, based on the opportunity to measure and statistically...
E60: Lean in Real Life - Selecting a Lean Six Sigma Project Within an Existing Project
24 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss a way to help identify a potential Lean Six Sigma project out of a larger improvement project taking place. Selecting a pro...
E59: Lean in Real Life - Improving Bottlenecks Using Theory of Constraints
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss how I applied the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to come up with additional improvement ideas for a bottleneck process at a cl...
E58: Combining my passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes with statistical analysis
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss ways in which I've combined current event topics from the Iowa Hawkeyes sports teams with my data analysis and process impr...
E57: Using Takt Time to Successfully Hire Enough Job Applicants
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss a situation I encountered related to hiring new employees within a set period of time. Thinking about the problem in terms ...
E56: "Lean at Home" FINAL Course Module #7 - Making Mouthwash Project Example
26 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the 7th and final module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you a full example of a home improvement project. Hopefull...
E55: "Lean at Home" Course Module #6 - Error Proofing and Documenting Your New Process
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the 6th module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about how to error proof your home from mistakes, and docu...
E54: "Lean at Home" Course Module #5 - 5S Method for Home Organization
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the 5th module of the free "Lean at home" course, helping you understand how to organize your home using the 5s method. I als...
E53: "Lean at Home" Course Module #4 - How to See the 8 Wastes
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the 4th module of the free "Lean at home" course, helping you learn about the 8 forms of waste, and how you can spot these wa...
E52: "Lean at Home" Course Module #3 - Collecting Data and Mapping the Process
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the 3rd module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about what data to collect, and how to better understand y...
E51: "Lean at Home" Course Module #2 - Selecting a Home Process to Improve
06 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the 2nd module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about which process at home you could select for your impr...
E50: "Lean at Home" Course - Introduction
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the introductory module of the free "Lean at home" course, explaining why I made this course, and why it's a great starting p...
E49: Cross-Training Matrix for Identifying Skills Gaps in your Team
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about a useful matrix that helps you identify cross-training and skill development opportunities with your team or in your org...
E48: Training is not sufficient for a successful improvement program
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I rant about the lack of effort some organizations put into their process improvement programs, and then are surprised that it didn't...
E47: Book Review - The Lean Dentist
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I read the book review I wrote about the book, "The Lean Dentist." It is based on the lean journey of Dr. Sami Bahri, DDS, who is an ...
E46: Gather data before defining a problem
11 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about the importance of collecting data in the very beginning before you start an improvement project or initiative. The examp...
E45: The waste of not being proactive
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about some other ways to identify waste and opportunity in your process and workday, specifically the tasks that you are not d...
E44: The waste of physical books that go unread
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go on a little rant about books, and how I estimate there are a lot of unread books in people's homes and offices. I'm considering ...
E43: 10 questions to find opportunities to apply Lean Six Sigma to your organization
07 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I was asked a question about how to get started applying Lean and Six Sigma to a non-manufacturing business. I thought about some key questions I woul...
E42: Quick Summary of SPC and Control Charts
03 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
During a recent coaching call with a client, we discussed applicability of statistical process control (SPC) and control charts (also called process b...
E41: Q&A to discuss management's role in leading and encouraging improvements
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After conducting a Lean 101 webinar for Lean Portland, we had some excellent questions from the attendees, so I thought I share my answers. The first ...
E40: Q&A to discuss streamlining forms and psychological safety
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After conducting a Lean 101 webinar for Lean Portland, we had some excellent questions from the attendees, so I thought I share my answers. The first ...
E39: Q&A to discuss batching and classical vs lean management
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After conducting a Lean 101 webinar for Lean Portland, we had some excellent questions from the attendees, so I thought I share my answers. The first ...