In today's business world, it's more important than ever to take a step back and look at the big picture. With so many independently moving parts, it can be challenging to get an unbiased view of what's really going on within your company. That's where an advisor-type consultant comes in.

These professionals are trained to see the big picture ...

In the business world, there is no room for complacency. Executives must always be looking years ahead, preparing for what's beyond the horizon. The future is full of potential volatility, and it's crucial to plan for possible outcomes. Survival in today's business climate often depends on forecasting trends and being agile enough to respond quickly ...

Many years ago, I was contracted into a large aircraft manufacturer in the Northwest. During an after-hours process improvement study group, I got talking with the manager bringing GE’s Six Sigma program into the company. I shared some insights with him that I thought might be helpful.

Six Sigma programs had two flavors. One was tool based, ...

Our thoughts determine how we lead and manage others. They give order to the principles we stand for and our values. It is essential to be aware of our own thoughts and to be intentional about the messages we send to others. We must also be thoughtful in how we listen to others and understand their thoughts. How we think about things makes a big ...

After years of learning and applying improvement ‘Theories, Methods, and Tools’ (TMT) in many forms, from many specialists, and through several perspectives, I’ve concluded the ultimate goal is about having CONFIDENCE in HOW the organization operates.

I’m announcing a refresh of my website, Dave Nave & Associates. Check it out. https://davenave.com

Don’t ...

Explore a powerful method to identify and organize critical elements of any project.   Whether an entrepreneur, project manager, or business leader, your job is complicated. One frequent mistake many of us make is to focus on the activities and tools to gain the objective, overlooking the multi-dimensional context surrounding the effort.   Creating ...

In order to improve confidence in how a business operates, training invariably becomes a topic of interest. Here is one perspective to consider.

In the 14 Obligations of Management, Dr. W. Edwards Deming made separate points about training and education.

Obligation 6 - Institute training on the job. This is ‘skill' training (how) to ...

Two issues to consider when considering Creating Value vs. Eliminating Waste. Nothing is as ‘straightforward’ as you think.

First, is the issue of Customer defined value (along with wants & needs, features & benefits). The customer can only express their wants. They value what they think they want. While Lean Design, DFSS, QFD, and ...

All companies have pain points. Here is one that is common:

Pain Point No. 8

• When you think… Have each department select its own improvement project to work on.
• Consider… 1) Most processes involve several departments, 2) Improvements done independently of other departments are sub-optimal ...

All of us have pain points in our business, do you have the tools to identify all of them in your business? A review can help your operations run smoothly.

Here is one helpful tip: Pain Point No. 3

• When you think… People who are good at putting out fires are the best ones to make managers.
• Consider… ...