Chris Roepe

As part of my monthly blog content, I am taking a small break from lean concepts and lean thinking. This month I wanted to cover one of the questions I frequently get, "How do you draft and publish a book?" At the time of this message, my fifth book is headed to press. This book is the second edition of Shingo Prize winning publication on Lean Leadership for Healthcare. If you are contemplating writing a book, please review my thoughts on how to get started and what you might consider as you proceed with the endeavor. Feedback always welcome! regards, Ron https://lnkd.in/gRuH3Kz

23

1 Comment

This is incredibly insightful: “ A lot of companies struggle with innovation because they don’t know which of their target customers’ needs are going unmet by their own offerings and their competitors’ offerings. If you don’t know which of your target customers’ needs remain unmet, then innovation becomes a guessing game that leads to high failure rates, wasted time and resources, a lot of frustration, opportunity costs, and even reputation damage. Grab a drink and read it through. Then do it again. It could save you a lot a sweat, tears and money. 👍🏼

3

The latest episode of our podcast Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing is a fascinating interview with GOJO, Makers of PURELL CEO Carey Jaros. We talk about everything from tough pandemic decisions weeks after she stepped into the CEO chair to how Industry 4.0 helped the Akron-founded company increase production by 300% when COVID skyrocketed demand. Carey shares GOJO’s Hollywood-worthy origin story and explains how the innovative spirit and values that founded the company still drive success today. Listen to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eZU5MbeD (or on Apple, Amazon, or Spotify!) Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/evBvvqaS Follow #magnetvideo and #magnetpodcast for new episodes. And if you’d leave our podcast a review on one of the platforms, we’d really appreciate it! #manufacturingsuccess #smartmanufacturing #makeitbetterohio #CEOinsights

12

Why should leaders prioritize people, process, and technology in that order? Brent P., CEO of Midwest Laboratories, breaks down this strategy and shares lessons from leading a high-growth, second-generation family business.   Don't miss out on this amazing episode with Brent Pohlman. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Link in the comments. 👇 #Leadership #Faith #BusinessGrowth

5

2 Comments

In my last talk I mentioned the importance of manufacturing and supply chain involvement in the design process. I just learned that there is design and contract manufacturing show coming to Denver. Just passing the info. #design #DFM #manufacturing https://lnkd.in/gSgHSJ2Z

3

1 Comment

With the greatest respect to Bob McGannon, I take issue with his comments regarding the “breaking of rules” by great leaders. Many years ago I, too, worked for IBM and on one occasion I was called in by one of my peers regarding issues with inventory control. In this case the CEO and company founder was upset with product leaving the warehouse with no accounting. Talking with the CEO and staff I posed the question to the CEO asking if he ever took merchandise without proper accounting and he, sheepishly, said yes. I responded saying if you want control you need to lead by example. Leaders cannot simply make an autonomous decision to break a rule and not expect the example to be followed. “Breaking rules” must not happen and especially not by leaders. If a rule is wrong publicly change the rule and publish the change. If the rule is correct and, you expect others to follow, you must be a leader and follow the rule yourself. If rules are allowed to be broken, the questions soon arise as to which rules must be followed and which are simply suggestions. This will open the organization to chaos and important rules may be flouted, and the defense is, “I’m not sure what rules I’m supposed to follow.” Whether it’s rules, policies, processes or whatever: they must be followed and if they are wrong they must be changed and if they are outdated they must be rescinded.

5

How much $$$ are you leaving on the table because of poor negotiations? I have saved my clients millions of dollars. Please contact me, and I will help your company save $$$ as well. [email protected] #supplychainmanagement #supplychainconsulting #costreduction #transportationmanagement #supplychainoptimization #CEO #CFO #COO

2

🎙 NEW EPISODE ALERT: EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXECUTION PODCAST🎙 Full episode: https://lnkd.in/gJPAgpzs This episode features a fascinating interview with Jill Miller, Founder and CEO of Lunum. Lunum provides supplier impact data to top organizations to help them make value-based purchasing decisions. Understanding ROI on employees is the secret sauce for large businesses, and Jill is working to make that a reality. Jill loves what she does and it shows, which is how she maintains balance in her life! There is some cool stuff in here, don't miss it! #ExcellenceThroughExecution #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Innovation #StrategicPlanning

14

1 Comment

This remains to be our most visited blog post on the VerticAlign website. We're not sure why... but it seems "underarms" are all the rage! It is an essential read as this post talks about the importance of these muscles in the "armpit" area. How to function and what they are used for and to train them! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g2ZW-_pg #posture #ergonomics #posturetherapy #ergonomicsassessment #posturetherapist #ergonomist #ergo #postureforlife #painfree #backpain #neckpain #techneck #textneck

4

3 Comments

Thought of the Dave Drag or Lift? Who is creating drag and who is creating lift in pursuit of your company outcomes

5

This graphic came into my feed today. It’s a valuable message that is often disregarded. If a company chases revenue without a meaningful strategy to support it, it becomes a potential house of cards. Example: Don’t become dazzled by business proposals that make promises based on THEIR interests alone. It’s wise to listen to your customer base, create focus groups, customer advocacy committees, and build a plan around their needs. Educate yourself on the evolving market offerings to bring to your customers for consideration and consensus BEFORE doing deals. Make informed decisions.

10

When a strategic buyer is evaluating a potential acquisition, the decision isn’t as simple as whether to acquire the target or not. When the growth agenda has an inorganic component, the business objectives regarding the target really matter. A lot. This isn’t news to anyone. It’s 101 really. The issue is that this tends to be glossed over because it’s 101. Everyone dives into rote due diligence and objectives post-deal are fuzzy at best. They’ll “refine” those later. This is a recipe for calamity. Who the org’s consultants and advisors are is important here. If all the org has is a group that focuses on the deal itself, then that’s a large hammer making everything a nail. It’s not helpful. But…if the org has professionals that truly understand growth…and can help see around corners…and can inform strategy post-deal… …well, let’s just say that’s a very strategic buyer through and through. #growthmanagement #corporatedevelopment #acquisitons #mergersandacquisitons #strategy #growth

2

Imagine asking 20 people to come to your house and give you tips on your decor. Pretty intimidating, right? Companies that want to be the best welcome that kind of ‘invasion’. Today I facilitated a group of 20 people at Quartzdyne, Inc | A ChampionX Company. They showed off their visual management systems and we shared a ton of feedback about things that we wanted to copy and things that they might improve. This group of companies demonstrates through their actions that they want to be the best and that they are willing to do the work to improve. What are you trying to improve and who are you asking for input? #AME #LeanEnterprise #ContinuousImprovement

36

23 Comments

How do you determine I.T. budget? Based on a percentage of total company spend? Submitted, justified, negotiated I.T. budget request? Business and I.T. technology look forward? Or some other mechanism? Also, how effective do you find the method you use, in fulfilling the I.T. mission? Does the ROI justify the method? Lastly, what suggestions do you have for executive management and I.T. leadership based on your experiences?

1

1 Comment

Does the attached looks like your organization (indicative)? Are you contemplating if the geographical presence that you started with, still resonates with your demand and supply pockets today (and future) or do you need an unbiased re-asssessment to create more optimized footprint (reduction/ assortment) for the next wave of growth? You are not alone; western origin organizations are increasingly finding themselves at such crossroads of indecision and EAC International Consulting is helping them simplify their future need, layer by layer. Connect with Uwe Haizmann or me and we will be happy to discuss over a call!

23

From my keynote presentation at the Wisconsin Chief Strategy Officer Council meeting. In my experience, there are many reasons why an innovation can fail, I have found these to be critical for success: 1) A value proposition that the customer understands and addresses an accepted consumer belief about some tension in their life. 2) A business model where all their partners in the value chain have an acceptable return on investment. 3) A go-to-market strategy that can be executed and maintained through existing and new channels. 4) A pipeline of innovation that creates successive waves of anticipation in the customer. 5) A technology that gives the customer (and business stakeholders) a reason to believe at a price they can afford. What would you add to this list? #InnovationLeadership #BusinessStrategy #InnovationSuccess #MarketTrends #CustomerCentric

51

8 Comments

Looking back on September and sharing a fun behind-the-scenes (or should I say, backstage) event! As a growing promotion company, this client realized the need to establish formal processes to help operate more efficiently and embrace growth. We're working together to formalize and standardize their processes, and in this case I got to see the live show production and settlement process firsthand. It brought me back to my college days of helping setup Springfest concerts at #Northeastern! One of my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur is being able to work with clients across all industries. This experience is vastly different from my insurance industry background, yet the principles and concepts of Lean Management and process improvement still apply. If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to scale or grow, reach out and let's chat about how Lean Management and process improvement can help you achieve those goals! #leanmanagement #processimprovement #smallbusinessconsulting

20

Some Visionaries have a general idea of what the Visionary/Integrator duo means. You see it. You want it. You’re saying all the right things, but you’re just not moving. There’s no action happening. You see where you want to go, but there’s a resistance between here and there that’s stopping you. It’s keeping you from moving forward. In these situations, we typically see that resistance is rooted in some form of fear. Let's explore them together: https://lnkd.in/ggnT3f2g #EOS

3