Episode page with links and more

During my most recent visit to Japan (as part of a tour hosted by Katie Anderson), we spent time in several remarkable organizations where the focus wasn't just on performance or process… but on people.

One company in particular introduced me to a word I hadn't encountered in this context before: kaiteki.

Roughly translated, kaiteki means “comfort,” “ease,” or a “pleasant working environment.” But what stood out was how deeply embedded this idea was in the company's culture–and how it shaped their entire approach to leadership and improvement.

Episode page with survey results and more

When someone on your team makes a mistake, what happens next?

Do they speak up–or stay quiet?

Do leaders give feedback that demonstrates curiosity–or do they blame employees?

After interviewing over 200 leaders and contributors for my podcast “My Favorite Mistake” and book, The Mistakes That Make Us, one truth has become clear:

Speaking up isn't about character–it's about culture.

-----

And if you're looking for a practical way to bring this conversation into your workplace, I created a free resource:
Download The Mistake-Smart Leader's Checklist

The blog post

I'm honored to share that my workshop, "The Deming Red Bead Game & Process Behavior Charts: Practical Applications for Lean Management," has been accepted for the 41st Annual International AME Conference, taking place this October in St. Louis.

The conference theme--Gateway to the Future: AI and Beyond--is both timely and forward-looking, and I'm grateful to contribute a workshop that brings us back to foundational thinking: systems, variation, and learning.

While AI is the shiny new thing, timeless management principles still matter--perhaps now more than ever.