AME Blog

AME Blog
The theme of AME's 38th annual international conference, Embrace Disruption, could not be more timely. Many of us feel, myself included, that the last few years have been a never-ending stream of disruptions—particularly in the supply chain and workforce. AME Dallas 2022 presenters will share how leading... More
AME Blog
As the Industrial Revolution peaked in the U.S. at the end of the nineteenth century, workers’ rights were considerably undervalued and overlooked. Across the country, marches, protests and eventually the infamous Pullman Strike rocketed labor abuses to the top of the national agenda. After more than... More
AME Blog
Only two months to go until we pack our bags and embrace disruption at the AME Dallas 2022 International Conference. This will be my first in-person conference since I came on board in this role in 2020. Amid my excitement to connect with so many talented lean practitioners, including our outstanding... More
AME Blog
AME is a large organization, with consortia spanning all regions of the United States and internationally, including a large presence in Canada and Australia. I often forget how wide our network is because the AME community is such a tight-knit and close family. You might think it is clichéd to refer... More
AME Blog
Sometimes it feels that time is passing us by, not at a steady walk or slow jog, but in a full-on sprint. Things are changing so quickly that it is difficult to keep up. It is hard to believe it has been two and a half years since I was offered this amazing opportunity to serve as AME’s president and... More
AME Blog
Last week, I wrote about the benefits of reverse mentoring when responding to digital change and generational gaps in the workforce. It also made me realize there was a larger conversation at play. When we implement forward-thinking initiatives to maintain standards of enterprise excellence, we are doing... More
AME Blog
When I joined AME as CEO in 2020, I was so grateful for the chance to lead an organization bolstered by visionaries across a multitude of industry-leading companies. AME’s success is, and always has been, fueled not only by the shared values of each of its members but also through the interconnectivity... More
AME Blog
As we leave June behind us and brace ourselves for the inevitable July heat, it is startling to realize we have already passed the halfway mark for 2022. Together we collaboratively addressed the challenges of the last few years and are now coming back stronger—and different. Offices have reopened,... More
AME Blog
The Fourth of July is often quick to pass us by. Short term, it brings a celebratory air and the promise of a reprieve from our daily responsibilities. We may head outside with our neighbors for cookouts, sip beverages under the beating sun or watch fireworks in the distance. It is a day that, while... More
AME Blog
A colleague recently shared a piece of advice that they received ahead of their first job interview, and it really stuck with me. In a nutshell: The interview doesn’t start when you walk into the office. Your impression starts with the first person you meet in the organization. It starts with your... More
AME Blog
Anyone with children knows how to be adaptable and agile, especially in 2022. Parents use lean principles in everything they do. There is standard work in getting children ready for school while also preparing yourself, pivoting to virtual school in times of crisis, shuttling children to various sports... More
AME Blog
Collaboration is a cornerstone of continuous improvement. AME was created because its founders realized we all gain by sharing, learning and growing together. In 1985, our mission of fostering practitioner-to-practitioner learning across the globe was born; this mission to inspire a commitment to enterprise... More
AME Blog
​There is real value in standard work. It helps us share knowledge across departments, locations and an entire enterprise. It helps us remember how to efficiently complete infrequent but important tasks. And it allows us to spread best practices from person to person. As lean leaders and practitioners,... More
AME Blog
Each year, the U.S. Navy invites a select few to attend its Distinguished Visitor Embark, a rare experience to witness life aboard a Navy aircraft carrier. For years, this was one of my bucket list items. In 2010, I was finally able to live that dream. I landed, stayed the night and took off from the... More
AME Blog
In a recent conversation with AME co-founder Robert “Doc” Hall, he reminded me that connections are AME’s special sauce. People turn to AME to connect with knowledge, training and—most of all—people. Our mission speaks of our commitment to helping members share, learn and grow. This is the... More
AME Blog
When I look at the roster of AME volunteers, staff and speakers, I’m always inspired by the number of mothers in our ranks. All parents balance personal and professional responsibilities, but mothers stand out for their ability to find creative ways to make things work. So perhaps the proverb “necessity... More
AME Blog
In his 1953 novel, Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury made several predictions about the future that have come to fruition. Among those predictions, he predicted interacting with others through video, large flat TV screens that take up an entire wall, and more. Beyond Bradbury, there are other cases of people... More
AME Blog
  Like many of you, the staff turnover bug bit AME this week. Of course, I knew we weren’t immune to the Great Resignation, but it was still a bitter pill to swallow when AME’s director of marketing and communications, Jeff Puma, signed off for the last time earlier this week. From hosting our weekly... More
AME Blog
  Around the AME ecosphere yesterday, a committee of volunteers discussed how to help our members take better advantage of our considerable member benefits and how we might engage non-members so they can benefit from the AME network, knowledge and training. In another meeting, our regional presidents... More
AME Blog
  There is power in both the words “yes” and “no.” These simple words allow us to take on new challenges and do so at the proper time, but it takes wisdom to know when and how to deploy both. Last May, I wrote about “yes, and” and how that mindset allows you to move things forward and build... More
AME Blog
  You might expect a joke letter today — it being April Fool’s Day after all — but I’ve decided to play it straight in my weekly message. That’s because I didn’t want to waste your time with a joke message when I know how valuable your time is. Instead, I wanted to use your precious time... More
AME Blog
  Have you ever watched a building construction project? Maybe it’s an office building you drive by during your commute or a new warehouse on your company’s property. Perhaps it’s an addition on your child’s school or a new movie theater in your town.  If you drive by every so often it’s... More
AME Blog
    What do you call a manufacturing plant that is just ok? Satisfactory. At AME and among the lean, continuous improvement community, we are in a constant search for how to make things better, how to increase efficiency and efficacy, how to empower employees, how to lead better, and how to improve... More
AME Blog
  To close his excellent keynote at the AME Back to Basics Lean Summit this week, Marc Braun shared an inspiring Maya Angelou quote about courage. I’d like to begin this message with another Angelou quote: “As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.” I mention this quote... More
AME Blog
    All eyes have been on Ukraine in the past week. While the situation is still unfolding and remains dire, there are so many inspirational things that have caught the world’s attention. We have seen heroic actions of everyday citizens, national pride of Ukrainians, and a global community that has... More
AME Blog
  You’ve probably heard the acronym, B.Y.O.B., but today I’m thinking about B.Y.O.S.: Bring Your Own Sunshine. The annual fight between winter and spring has begun. Depending on where you live, there may be days of sunshine mixed with cold days with rain or even snow. But we can choose to let go... More
AME Blog
  In last week’s message, I mentioned the unseen but important role that Jamaica’s 1988 men’s bobsled team played by inspiring future bobsledders to try the sport. Older generations can lead the way, show what’s possible, and offer a hand to help others step up to the next level. To help future... More
AME Blog
  There’s something special about watching an underdog compete at the Olympics. When they rise to the top it’s thrilling and we feel like we’ve seen something special, but often there are also lessons to be learned from those who don’t win. Do you remember when everyone cheered on the Jamaican... More
AME Blog
  To create a lean culture where employees are empowered and the organization buys into a system that consistently looks for improvements, you need leadership support, a common language, and a commitment to thinking differently. While I’m sure some companies come into existence with lean thinking... More
AME Blog
  If this last two years have taught us anything it’s that things don’t always go as planned. When I began my tenure as AME’s president and CEO in January 2020, I had no idea the curve balls that would be thrown our way, and I know that these curveballs have affected our entire community. While... More
AME Blog
  Yesterday I received a news alert: prepare for a winter storm. The governor declared a state of emergency. The state’s department of transportation advised residents to stay off the roads. The snow prediction was for 1-2 inches. If you live in a northern state, Canada, or somewhere that big snow... More
AME Blog
  We are coming up on my second anniversary as AME’s president and CEO. During that time, our community has been in a cycle of facing challenges and overcoming them only to have new challenges arise. This is almost always the way of life. It is rarely smooth sailing for an infinite amount of time.... More

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