Topic(s)
- Management systems
- People-centric leadership
- Operations improvement
- Business operations improvement
Overview
What do you think of when you hear the word “kaizen”? An event? Process improvement?
The Japanese word “kaizen” is usually translated to mean “continuous improvement,” but there is a deeper meaning that is the lynchpin to creating a real culture of continuous improvement.
In this session, we’ll explore the essence of kaizen, not only as a method for process improvement, but also as a personal and organizational mindset for pursuing excellence when integrated fully into everyday practices.
Katie Anderson will share insights about the real meaning of kaizen that are the foundation of her Shingo-award winning book, "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn," and how intentional behaviors enable leaders to create transformational change and develop a high-performing learning culture.
Kaizen is about cultivating an environment where everyone feels empowered and equipped to contribute to making improvements. It’s about making problems visible and cultivating a problem-solving scientific mindset at all levels.
As a leader or operational-excellence practitioner, one of the most powerful personal shifts you can make to build a kaizen culture is to move from being the sole problem-solver to a coach who empowers others to solve problems. This requires discipline and intentional practice to align behaviors with purpose to focus on people and learning as the way to gets results.
Walk away from this session inspired by the real meaning of kaizen and how embed it into your practices and your organization’s culture for long-term success. (And you just might be singing Devo’s song “Whip-It” anytime you hear the word “kaizen” after this session!)
Key learning objectives
- The real meaning of kaizen – the self-discipline to make change for the good by starting with yourself as a leader or lean practitioner
- A leader’s purpose in creating a Leading to Learn® culture of excellence
- Transparency and making opportunities for improvement visible is a critical step to improvement
- How a no-blame culture is essential for kaizen to thrive
- Steps to get started with daily intentional kaizen
Presenter
Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership consultant, coach, professional speaker and learning enthusiast, dedicated to helping purpose-driven leaders create cultures of learning and accelerate individual and organizational impact.
A skilled change agent and coach, Anderson has supported tens of thousands of leaders across a range of industries to create organizational learning cultures that foster innovation, engagement and continuous improvement. Anderson's clients include diverse sizes and industries, including healthcare, biotech, higher education, manufacturing, education, government and information technology.
A popular keynote speaker, Katie Anderson is the author of the bestselling book, "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn," which has received multiple international awards, including the prestigious Shingo Publication Award, and has been translated into over eight languages. Anderson is also the host of the transformational leadership podcast Chain of Learning® and leads immersive leadership learning experiences to Japan. https://kbjanderson.com/ 
