Just a couple of brief announcements …
As if my daily rantings and ramblings in Evolving Excellence weren’t enough, the Lean Executive blog is being launched this morning with even more of my blathering. I hope you get a chance to look in on it from time to time.
I have been asked to give the keynote address at the China Automotive Manufacturing Conference in Shanghai next month. The State Department has issued a mild warning for Gringos traveling to Shanghai, although I suspect that if I am in any physical danger it is more likely to be from the Americans from Delphi who will be presenting at the conference. I am looking forward to getting a detailed look at the Chinese auto manufacturers who will be discussing where they are in their lean efforts and describing their manufacturing systems and challenges in some detail.
While I am in Asia, I will be giving my Lean Management course to a few groups, so anyone who wants to get in on it while I am there should send me an email, or you can get in touch with Mccain Koo at the Lean Manufacturing Academy in China who is arranging all of the details.
Finally, I am in the planning stages of a trip to Europe in August to put the Lean Management course on there. Same thing – if anyone wants in on it, get in touch with me.
Long Time Reader says
Isn’t it a bit disingenuous of you to be trumpeting an endorsement from Ross Robson after you’ve bashed the Shingo Prize so merclilessly?
Your bashing:
http://superfactory.typepad.com/blog/2005/11/dont_let_delphi.html
Your new butt kissing:
http://www.evolvingexcellence.com/blog/2006/06/ramblings_on_le.html
What gives?
Bill Waddell says
I have criticized the Prize, and still question its validity. I have criticized what I saw as a rationalization of the Delphi fiasco, when I believe there should have been an introspective look at the Prize criteria. But please understand this:
I do not hide behind my computer and throws bombs from the safty of my home. There is nothing I have written that I have not said verbally, directly to Mr. Robson. Neither he, the Prize, nor I are perfect. He agrees with some of my points and disagrees with others. He is working hard to change the Prize criteria to bring it more in line with some of the points that many people have made – not just me.
I have great respect for Mr. Robson personally and professionally. That he takes my criticism for what it is, is reflected in the praise he gave me – and I can assure you that he was well aware of what I wrote long before he sent me the complimentary note.
Ross Robson is a serious man who is completely devoted to the Shingo Prize and Lean Manufacturing. That I have great respect for him does not mean that I will not speak up when I disagree with him. What you called “butt kissing” was nothing more than me basking in a comliment from one of the leading lean authorities in the world. There is nothing I have or will ask of Ross Robson, and I stand to gain nothing by “butt kissing”.
I will continue to praise the Shingo Prize as I have for the effort Mr Robson put into the effort with AME and SME to create the Lean Certification program, and I will honestly comment – good or bad – on the next round of Shingo Prizes as I see it.
The bottom line, Long Time Reader, is that when you read my posts you get exactly what I think and feel about matters related to lean. I regret and retract none of my criticism of the Prize criteria, and I repeat my heartfelt gratitude for the kind words from Ross Robson.
Butt kissing? Can you imagine how many potential consulting clients and book buyers I have driven off with my writing in the last year? If I had enough sense to kiss butts instead of telling it like I see it – like just about every other lean expert who gives you a regular dose of how wonderful everything is in the lean world – I would be retired in the Cayman islands.