Using Storytelling to Advance Continuous Improvement and Demonstrate Respect for People
Overview
Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate Respect for People and is arguably one of the most overlooked Lean skills. This interactive session introduces simple storytelling and listening practices that earn trust, strengthen engagement, and address resistance to change. Participants will connect communications frameworks to familiar Lean concepts to make improvement efforts more compelling and sustainable. Participants will practice, reflect, and leave with techniques that do not replace Lean tools but will help them be more effective.
Host Company
Improvement Catalyst Coaching, LLC; https://www.icatalystcoach.com/ It is often said that 70% of change programs fail to achieve their goals, and poor communication is a key factor. Why, then, is communication about improvement initiatives so often treated as an afterthought? Improvement Catalyst Coaching helps teams and leaders at all levels to use effective communications methods proactively and strategically to build stronger relationships and advance continuous improvement. We help teams to recognize power dynamics, develop mutual respect, and work together to attain shared goals.
Presenter
Jo Ann Endo, MSW, is a speaker and founder of Improvement Catalyst Coaching, LLC. She delivers interactive, practical talks on how to use storytelling and reflective listening to build trust and make change in complex environments. Drawing from her experience in healthcare, communications, quality improvement, and social work, Jo Ann has worked with nonprofits, healthcare systems, higher education, and foundations. She is trusted by leaders who center equity while navigating change. She has spoken at major international conferences, provided workshops for audiences ranging from students to seasoned professionals, and interviewed internationally known thought leaders and innovators.
Agenda
Thursday, April 16, 2026
4 p.m. Welcome
4:10 p.m. Presentation
4:50 p.m. Questions
5 p.m. Conclude event
PARTICIPANT BENEFITS
- Recognize listening as a core practice of Respect for People to improve communication, earn trust, build engagement, and create psychological safety across teams and in any industry.
- Learn to integrate basic storytelling frameworks with Lean tools (such as the A3) to clarify purpose, connect data to the human side of change, and communicate improvement more effectively.
- Practice simple, adaptable techniques to strengthen collaboration and sustain continuous improvement.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This session is ideal for staff and leaders at all levels who want to communicate more effectively and engage more people in continuous improvement. Relevant across disciplines, industries, and organization types and sizes, this session offers useful information for a wide range of roles and team structures.
Safety Requirements
OTHER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
We strive to host events that are inclusive and accessible to everyone to fully participate and engage. Please email events@ame.org if you have any questions.
If you are not already a member of AME, we invite you to join at this time. Membership benefits include complimentary and discounted event registrations throughout the entire year. To learn more about membership benefits, please visit here.
By participating in this event, you grant AME, or anyone authorized by AME the right to use or publish in print or electronic medium any photograph or video containing your image or likeness for educational, news, or promotional purposes, without compensation.
Cancelation Policy: This event may be canceled by AME for any reason. AME is not responsible for incidental costs incurred by registrants. For paid events, registration fee less a $20 administration fee will be refunded up to one week before the event. Substitutions may be made up to three days prior to the start of the event.
*You can translate the session to a different language using the closed caption feature in zoom. Use the Zoom bottom toolbar - Select "closed caption", Select "caption language" from pop up menu, Select language from pop up list.
