These are actual questions from LinkedIn that I have answered. They are representative of the kinds of questions my clients ask me:
Lean Talent Demand Finally Edges Out Six Sigma... What do you think?
I think showing a client results instead of overwhelming them with buzzwords and statistics is more comfortable for a client.
What are some effective ways for a higher education program to become a 'lean' operation?
There are so many ways that have to do with the facility operation that I'll start there. I just saw a special on PBS that included school districts (I think it was San Antonio or Austin that was the most effective) that are powering their campuses with solar or geothermal methods and reaping savings of six and even seven figures that can be spent on education. When I went to college, it was a seasonal task to dig up landscaping and replace it. Landscaping with native plants that require less "babying" frees up more money for education. Landscaping with plants that can be harvested for energy would be even better. Science classes that produce energy would certainly be excellent preparation for careers of the future. In my area, the universities, colleges, junior colleges, high schools, and regional occupation programs are looking at their courses in terms of the future. They are talking to the entrepreneurs about their workforce needs. Certification programs could be offered by schools for the green collar jobs that currently have almost no work force. There is an effort to align coursework more closely with careers and to work with the employers to provide the people that will be needed.
What would you do to cut IT spending?
Reduce maintenance and tweaking:
1. Do user requirements definitions.
2. Develop specifications from the URDs.
3. Develop tests from the URDs.
4. Get agreement from all stakeholders.
5. Develop what was agreed on - no more, no less.
6. Get agreement that the system will be used in the agreed upon form for x months before any changes are made.
Are innovation and sustainability complementary or do they contradict each other?
I think innovation and sustainability are and should be complementary. Innovation leads to sustainability if sustainability is the goal. Innovation could lead in the opposite direction if continued exploitation and exhaustion of resources is the goal.
Is there a magic cure in Organizational Development? Who is to blame?
The magic isn't in assigning blame. It's in listening to the employees and implementing the practical ideas that you get while showing appreciation.
When does "being green" cross the line from "helping the environment" to "making more sales for your business"?
What line? Good business practices and good profits are compatible.
How can we improve our management skills?
Listen to the people you manage.
How can small or emerging businesses beat the recession?
Efficiency.
How can we get employees to work more effectively?
You ask for their input and use it when practical. There's nothing quite as motivating as the belief that you matter.
What is your philosophy in running your small business?
My philosophy is to give clients a significant and immediately apparent return on their investment.
Recommended readings on software development concepts for someone with a business background?
I think any book about basic flowcharting might give you the kind of understanding you are interested in. When you get into if-then-else diagramming and wind up with nested ifs, you get a very good idea of how it all works.
How to become a good leader?
Be a good listener.
What does the word "Consultant" mean to you and is there a better term?
I liked Opinionated Observer but my publisher took it off my book cover.
Why do projects that change processes fail so often?
Us and Them thinking gets in the way.
What is the best way to spread the word about sustainability so that organizations will start to operate in a way that is healthy for the planet?
A positive impact on their bottom line.
Which name is used in your company for the department in charge of the process & continuous improvement?
If there were such a group, it would most likely only be effective if it was under the direction of the head of the company. I think it's most effective if every employee is expected to contribute to continuous improvement. So the name I would use is "Suggestions and Awards."
What would a ROWE (Results Only Work Environment) in manufacturing / production look like?
I believe it could have a lot less inventory and WIP sitting around than the accounting methods that consider maximum effort from every work station profitable.
How do you measure success in your job?
Problems solved.
Help Wanted: My small business is failing and I don't know what to do!!
1. When can I meet you at the site?
2. I won't know that until I'm on site. If it's just a phone conversation, we might be able to establish some actions to be taken but they might not address the actual problems.
What will be the Next biggest Industrial Imperative which will require a revolution in business thinking and Global analysis?
I think we're well into it - clean energy.
What are some common obstacles to execution? What are some innovative strategies for beating the competition?
Creeping elegance is one of the most common obstacles. The best strategy I know of to combat it is not innovative but it is effective. Stick to the requirements document and schedule the blue sky stuff for future versions. Keep time to market in mind.
What are the Key factors for startup failure?
Not being prepared for growth.
What's your mission in life?
My mission is to keep as many small businesses and startups from going bankrupt as I can and make a good living at it so I can afford to have fun with my family.
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