Early in February I returned to the University of North Alabama, Florence, AL, USA. I did wonder if I would make it there, but the wild weather the USA had been experiencing, much to my relief, decided to avoid the North-Eastern corner of the state. Weather aside, I was there to deliver another two-day Lean training program for staff, and for the first time, in Alabama that is, a shorter session for students. This was all arranged, as usual, by the amazing people at UNA’s Agile Strategy Lab.

For the two-day program, held over Monday and Tuesday, there were 22 participants, joining from TAMUT Texarkana, and UNA itself. The usual suspects were covered i.e. Continuous Improvement and Respect for People, the five Lean Principles, and the Eight Wastes. Both days were dotted with fun activities designed to reinforce the content. Day two moved us into a practical model for process improvement. We began by scoping the work using BOSCARD, creating clarity around purpose, boundaries and outcomes, before stepping into a simulated rapid improvement event. To keep the learning grounded and engaging, we stayed intentionally low-tech — Sharpies, Post-its and a roll of paper — focusing less on tools and more on thinking, collaboration and momentum.

The student session was held in The Generator – a 6,000 square foot student incubator and maker space designed to assist students who want to start a business or commercialize their innovations with resources and expertise. A very impressive space. This was another interactive session where the 14 students in covering the key concepts of Lean, were exposed to the intricacies of getting juggling balls from A to B as efficiently as possible, of the need for clear instructions when drawing pictures of fish, and of the advantages of a well organised work environment, aka 5S. You may recall me saying above “… for the first time, in Alabama that is, …”. Well, I’ve delivered this shorter session twice in St Andrews for visiting UNA student study-abroad groups. The highlight for many of the students in coming to St Andrews is not me, it is, of course, the Old Course.

So, what did participants have to say about their experiences?

“Both days of instruction were engaging and informative. I am leaving training feeling excited to implement parts of Lean into my day-to-day work.”

University of North Alabama

“Very informative and learned much. I plan to use this in my career and personal life”.

University of North Alabama

If you’re in North America and are interested in attending one of my Lean training programs in Florence, or you are thinking of hosting a program yourself, the Agile Strategy Lab is waiting to hear from you!

And if you’re not in North America, please do get in touch.