Man vs. Business is a Podcast discussing business topics from all perspectives. The first few podcasts are brainstorming sessions on possible topics and content. Discussions will cover Leadership, Quality, Training, Technology and Employees to name a few.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes, Sean McMenamin and Brian Teddlie discuss the topic of Quality Circles. Are they still relevant? Do they have merit in today's business and quality arenas? Why were they so popular and then diminished quickly? We also discussed the idea of business fads and flavor of the month concepts.
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In this Man vs Business podcast episode, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin have their first podcast guest - Brian Teddlie. Brian is an IT and Quality professional and gives his ideas and opinions on this overarching quality topic.
In this episode we review a diagram created by Les Jaynes that outlines the concepts and activities that should be tackled for an organization to reach Operational Excellence. This diagram clearly lays out the progression from operational infancy to an aligned maturity.
This diagram will be posted to the www.sigmatree.org blog and will hopefully be a poster that can be ordered from the website.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the revolutionary stages of Industry and Quality. In the fourth stage we dive deep into the discussion of current technologies and how the play a role in quality.
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In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin review the history of Continuous Improvement. In this discussion they take the approach of reviewing the validity of contributions by the Quality guru's. They also touch on the timeframe of different quality approaches and how they have played in build what we have today from a continuous improvement perspective.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss some of the most used Continuous Improvement Methodologies that are used in business. We cover some of the more common and well known such as Plan, Do, Check and Act (PDCA) and Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC). We also cover some not so well know methodologies such as Growth Hacking and Leagile.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin are getting back to basics and going deeper with very specific topics. In this episode they discuss the topic of Process Mapping - one of the foundational tools to continuous improvement. They cover the usage, the types of process mapping, mistakes and much more.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin talk about the accounting aspects of an ERP and how employees play an important role in feeding the monthly metrics that drive the monthly close.
In this episode of Man vs Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin take another look at accountability - peaking into the actions and activities of what accountability looks like.
In the episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin talk about their experiences with Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERPs). This is a high-level discussion starting off with what an ERP is, who is involved, and their thoughts on getting a system up and running. They then end with some lessons learned.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of patience in the work place. Both the aspect of employee patience and more importantly employer patience.
In this episode of Man vs. Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin talk about the process and the importance of Training and Personal Development.
In this episode of Man vs. Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of having a quality conversation between employee and manager. Specifically discussing the use of the word "Probably".
In this episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss whether or not all processes should be improved upon and why. Sean uses a simple analogy to help guide the conversation. From the analogy we jump to the discuss of all the variables involved in process improvement and why its so important to discuss intent.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the concepts of Strategy Deployment. With the beginning of a new year, we felt it appropriate to discuss concepts that relate to good strategy deployment.
In this podcast episode of Man vs. Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the idea of how to bring new information into an organization and wrap it around strategy so that its conveyed top to bottom. We also talk about teardrop campers.
In this podcast episode of Man vs. Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the challenging topic of Business Travel vs Personal Time and how expenses can be abused and misused. We also talk the importance of have the difficult conversion about the expectations and what can be done to avoid misunderstandings and misuse.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the idea of not jumping to conclusion during conversations and why its important. We also discuss a mountain biking adventure in which the student becomes the master.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of project management. Specifically large projects and some of the key components to a successful project.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the roadmap of Driving Towards a Positive Organizational Contribution. We basically review the concept of positivity in the workplace. Why is it so important.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Working Remotely.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of the Leadership Team; specifically about who should be on the team and why. We then cover how the leadership team should function as a team.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean McMenamin and Les Jaynes discuss the topic of Communication in the workplace. We cover the importance of good communication, what it looks like and some does and don't.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic to Sales Cold Calling. We reviewed the challenges and pitfalls, the advantages and disadvantages. Along with what my experience was like as I took on my first cold calling event.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin take a deep dive into the Discipline or Corrective Actions for Employees when they Disappoint. We discuss how and why the may disappoint you as an employer and what you as a leader can do to mitigate it.
In the podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean McMenamin and Les Jaynes discuss the topic of Metrics in the business environment. We discuss the good parts of metrics, the bad parts of metrics and, of course the ugly parts of metrics. We discuss why they are important and why they can be considered a dual edge sword.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Leadership Awareness. The ideas and thoughts about chaos and lowest potential energy. How leaders must stay engaged and be the constant and constant lighthouse.
In this weeks podcast from Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Wellness Programs in the workplace. The positives and negatives along with suggested models.
In this podcast episode of Man vs. Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of growth but more specifically when that growth hits. How do you handle it, what to look for along with pitfalls.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the activities surrounding specific sales structures along with the expectations of sales activities.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of the Holiday Atmosphere. All of the activities that take place in the business environment that are perceived as disruptions to the business environment but are really actions of good will.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin dive deeper into the topic of the Balanced Scorecard and cover the first two legs of the methodology; Knowledge/Growth and Internal Processes.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Flexing the Business based on current state and needs.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the Balanced Scorecard. In this overview episode we review its general use of Strategy Development.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Changing Direction; specifically as it relates to Leadership and Strategy Development.
In the podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Making Fact Based Decisions. The importance of gathering data and analyzing the data before making importance decisions. Whether it part of an improvement project, a personnel issue or a marketing campaign, fact based decisions are key to improving the process.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the Lean topic of Office Waste. How to address waste the resides in the front office area. We review the areas of Process Waste, Information Waste, Physical Environment Waste and People Waste.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of signatures. What do they mean, when should you use them; especially in this day and ago of electronic paper and flow of information.
In this podcast episode from Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Advice. How to mentor, how to coach. How to give and take advice.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the importance of having a Learning Spirit. These are the above and beyond activities to help grow yourself and self improve. But what does that look like and what does it take. We touch on a few suggestions.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Social Media; specifically in the business environment. We touch on the different types along with our opinions on each.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin further discuss the topic of Change Management by discussing the fact that it is a Marathon and not a Sprint and why.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean McMenamin and Les Jaynes discuss the topic of doing the thing you hate. The discussion focuses mainly on the activities that take place in the workplace. We discuss how to take about responsibilities, how to take action, how to deal with difficult activities and more.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Interviewing and Hiring employees. We discuss some good rules of thumb to interview and ways to make the interview process more effective.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Investing in Yourself. The importance of Investing in Yourself along with proper approaches to take.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the top of Project Management. Specifically the Leaderships View of Project Management. We review the need and the responsibilities.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Business Travel. All the in's and out's, tips and tricks, long with some does and don'ts.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Leadership Diligence - focusing on careful and persistent work or effort. We discuss the fact that leaders must be consistent and vigilant in all aspects of the organization. We cover the whys and the effects.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the Mechanics of Supply Chain. They cover key components along with issues that must be addressed when developing and/or improving your Supply Chain.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic to peoples attitudes; specifically in the work place. Both good and bad attitudes and how they effect the work place.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of driving quality from the middle of the organization. If you are a manager, supervisor or a frontline employee, what are some things you can do to be involved in quality and try to move the quality efforts forward.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss the topic of Chaos in the business setting and how that Chaos can be turned into improvement wins for the organization.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topic of Training Programs in the work place. Why they are so important, how to set them up and some key components that must be covered.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Quality Control and Quality Assurance. Creating Quality Control then moving towards Quality Assurance and into Error Proofing.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Performance Reviews and Training. The difficulties and pitfalls wrapped around Performance Reviews, possible ways of improving them and how communication and training can improve them.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les Jaynes and Sean McMenamin discuss the topic of Risk Management in the organization. Why its important and how it should be used.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss more about the topic of Strategy Deployment using a methodology called Hoshin Kanri (loosely translated as Policy Deployment).
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les take a deeper dive on the topic of Strategy Development and discuss the use of the Balanced Scorecard methodology. How this Strategy deployment framework can help your organization deliver is plans.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss the topic of Life Balance. Ways of improving Life Balance and supporting a more well rounded life style.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topics of Communication and Accountability. How they work together and ways of developing and improving both.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss the importance of having a Mission, Vision and Values statements that truly represent your environment and your team. Something that makes since and drives the business to bigger and better things.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss the topic of Employee Growth and Succession Planning. Methods for developing a program along with the reasons for having an employee roadmap plan.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topic of Nonconformance's and Corrective and Preventive Actions. Why and how to set up a program, how to document Nonconformance's and the appropriate ways to perform Corrective and Preventive Actions. We discuss tips and tricks along with pitfalls seen in typical programs.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topic of Internal Auditing. They cover how to setup an internal audit program, how to train employees, some stumbling blocks, the different types of auditing, along with other key auditing processes.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss the topic of Quality Documents. The different types, how to use them and some best practices.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les use their 50th episode to discuss the topic of performing a Reality Check both for the Man vs Business podcasts and how Companies should also perform periodic Reality Checks.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean expand on Other Types of Business Process Diagrams. Along with a discussion of how the diagrams are used, how to look for waste in the process and how to evaluate value added vs. non-value added process steps.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of Value Stream Mapping. When to use them, the difference between a Value Stream Map and other types of maps, how to create a current state map and a future state map and all the tips and pitfalls of mapping.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of Gemba Walks. The idea of "going to the place where work is performed". Gemba Walks are a great method for ensuring that good decisions are made and that processes are clearly understood.
In this podcast episode from Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topic of SIPOC Diagrams (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer). When to use them, how to develop them and ways of integrating them into your continuous improvement activities.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the Lean methodology of identifying process waste and eliminating it. They also review and define the 8 deadly wastes and discuss how you waste identification can be integrated into your business environment.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the topic of Kaizen and Problem Solving. The Lean method for continuous improvement and the tools, methods and activities to support Kaizen.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the topic of Standard Work. A Lean concept of documenting best practice and setting the baseline for continuous improvement.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of Total Productive Maintenance (or TPM). We describe what it is and when to implement.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the topic of Visual Controls. The aspect of making work area and functions very visual to improve productivity and reduce errors.
In the podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of A3 Reporting. Some would call this tool the heart beat of Lean. We discuss what it is, how to use it and when to use it.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les expand further on the topic of 5S. the 5S topic is covered more in-depth with examples and specific methods.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topic of 5S. The method and framework for creating a functional and visual working environment. We discuss the basics of 5S, we describe the framework, how to implement and how to use. We also discuss timing and tips.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of addressing "Quick Wins and Low Hanging Fruit" within your organization. How to recognize quick win opportunities and how to address them. We also discuss the concept of "Stroke of the Pen".
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of "Environment Review and Gap Analysis". The discuss is a re-circling to the front of the business and taking a deeper drive towards developing Business Excellence. In this episode we cover how to evaluate the environment, opportunities to look for and business gaps to potentially address.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss an interesting topic of words, statements and there meaning. We cover how employees make statements that do not support accountability or clarity along with ways of making those statements better.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the topic of "Managing Stress" mostly as it relates to work stress. We cover the signs of stress and some tips on managing stress.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les Discuss the topic of Field Service. Some in's and out's, ways of setting up, along with ways to improve.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the many aspects of Employee Accountability. We cover typical issues, some pitfalls and our take on some simple solutions.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of Boosting Employee Morale. Tips, suggestions and ideas for how to elevate employees time spent at work and how both the employee and company can benefit from leaders that pay close attention to employee state of being.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the topic of Auditing. Specifically Internal Auditing. We cover the reasons to perform audits, the types of audits and how to develop an audit program.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the topic of dealing with difficult and needy customers. We discuss the different types of difficult customers, we also work through a list of suggestions as to how to manage difficult customers, and discuss each suggestions merit.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business Les and Sean discuss the value of Trade Shows and Conferences. The types of Trade Shows and Conferences, what to expect and do they still have value in this digital time.
In this episode of Man vs Business we discuss the management of company information. The different types of information and how to manage it.
In this week's podcast episode of Man vs Business we discuss the topic of Strategy Planning. This discussion is a high level overview of strategy planning; reviewing the process, key elements, common frameworks and general questions.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business, we discuss the topic of Cash Flow. How Cash Flow is impacted by different departments along with the Cost of Money, Supplier Involvement, Bonds and Letters of Credit.
In this podcast episode of Man vs Business we discuss a high level overview of Sales, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), and Margin. We breakdown the basics of each key financial buckets and review how each functional area impacts these financial areas.
In this weeks podcast episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the all important topic of safety. Why it is important and some of the reasons that employees do not give safety the focus is deserves.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Sean and Les discuss Change Management. The importance of have a good change management process along with understanding the different change management models and tools.
In this weeks episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss the topic of Vanity Metrics. Metrics that make you feel good or that provide interesting information but do no help you towards a goal such as improving a process or supporting the identification of issues.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Les and Sean discuss the in's and out's of "Power Struggles and Office Politics" in the work environment. We cover some ways of recognizing these activities in your environment and ways of mitigating them.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Sean and I discuss how Verifications and Validations are used in the business environment along with adding clarity to the differences between the two words.
In this episode of Man vs Business Sean and I discuss the Sales Channel. Some of the topics covered are managing territories, setting up commissions, possible ideas on incentives and how it can be a dual edge sword.
In this episode of Man vs Business Sean and Les discuss business marketing. The deference between marketing and sales along with key components that help with a successful marketing program.
In this episode of Man vs Business, Sean and I discuss the activity of Capacity Planning. We breakdown the two words and discuss the actions needed to insure proper planning along with the affects on capacity.
In this episode of Man vs Business, we discuss the topic of accountability and acceptance as it relates to Quality and the institution of Quality. We also discuss Managements part in creating the accountability.
In this episode Sean and I discuss the details of dealing with Non-Conformances in your organization along with when and how to perform a Root Cause Analysis.
In this episode of Man vs Business, we discuss basic quality tools. When to use them, the famous 7 Basic Quality Tools, Lean Tools, and then we discuss our favorite Quality Tools and why they are our favorite.
In this episode of Man vs Business, we discuss how to start your Lean SixSigma Journey. We discuss ideas on where to start, the important aspects of customers and employees, the different types of change, when and where to use Lean and or SixSigma.
In this episode, Sean and I discuss some broad overview aspects of Lean SixSigma. We start with the focus on Customer Value, move into employee culture, touch on the difference between Lean and SixSigma and end with the all important need for Leadership engagement. This is the intro to several discussions we have planned on the topic of Quality.
In this episode, Sean and I discuss different aspects of Document Control. What Document Control usually entails, the types of Document Control and how you should develop Document Control.
In this episode we touch on different facets of the Estimating function and the potential processes for performing estimates. Should you have an Estimating department or should the Sales personnel perform all of the estimating functions. Who manages the data and develops the tools. These are just a few of the questions explored in this episode.
In this episode of Man vs Business we discuss the actions and activities in the Sales stage, reviewing the positive and negative effects on the business depending on the relationship between these two groups and how well this handoff is executed.
Taking on a leadership role can be stressful and challenging. In this episode, "Strategy for a New Leadership Role", Sean and I discuss ways of engaging a new role, how to clear hurdles, dealing with politics, understand your expectations, and how to work towards a being a "Servant Leader".
In some cases being a good business fire fighter can be looked upon as a badge of honer. And while there is certainly merit in someone who can problem solve, constantly putting out fires without truly solving the root cause does not help to move the business forward or help the business grow. In this Episode, Sean I discuss the issue of Fire Fighting in the business environment. We discuss why its a problem and the reason you should focus your business environment away from fire fighting.
Having a quality system that supports your business growth, drives revenue and builds customer satisfaction is important. In this episode of Man vs. Business we discuss aspects of having a solid Quality Management System. A Quality System that starts with Leaderships vision and guidance and engages the employees from top to bottom.
In episode 4 of Man vs. Business we discuss business metrics. My co-host and I cover areas such as leading and lagging metrics, the alignment of metrics, people engagement with metrics, driving change with metrics and more. Also, stay tuned till the end for the picks of the week.
In addition to the two podcasts in which we discussed this shows possible future topics, this is actually our first official business topic podcast. In this podcasting we cover the topic of "Resource Management during the Holidays". Some of the areas covered are Employee Management, Capacity Planning, How to Handle Time Off along with many other areas. Also at the end of the podcasting we have incorporated personal picks for the week. The picks will be on anything that we believe might be of help to share with our listeners.
This podcast is brought to you by your Man vs. Business hosts and is supported by a small entrepreneurial upstart called SigmaTree. Go check out our other ventures at SigmaTree.co.
This is a continuation discussion on potential show topics. The first episode was Sean's topics the second episode is Les's topics.
Man vs. Business is a Podcast discussing business topics from all perspectives. The first podcast part 1 is a brainstorming session of possible topics for future episodes.