Managing on Purpose with Mark Reich

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout talks with Mark Reich. Mark is Senior Lean Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book, Managing On Purpose. Mark’s book is a practical guide to Hoshin Kanri, a strategy deployment system that combines long-term vision with day-to-day execution. Managing On Purpose features step-by-step tools and a detailed case study to help organizations align strategy with action while developing their leaders.

Mark shares stories from his career, including his time managing Toyota’s corporate strategic planning for North America. He explains how tools like “catchball” and “obeya” help organizations foster collaboration and track progress effectively. Mark also emphasizes the importance of leadership behaviors in creating a culture where problems are opportunities for growth.

This episode is packed with insights on strategy deployment, leadership development, and creating purpose-driven organizations. Don’t miss this fun, informative conversation with one of Lean's most experienced practitioners.

 

In this episode, you will hear about:

1:48 - Mark’s background

5:34 - Working for Toyota in Japan

7:28 - The  Toyota Supplier Support Center (now the  Toyota Production Systems Support Center)

9:49 - Writing Managing on Purpose

12:40 - An introduction to Hoshin Kanri

18:04 - PDCA (Plan. Do. Check. Act.)

20:43 - Understanding problems at the Gemba

24:11 - The concept of Obeya

28:48 - The concept of Catchball

34:04 - Value-creating work versus non-value-creating work

37:34 - Hoshin Kanri and leadership

40:10 - Initial feedback to Managing on Purpose

42:30 - The changing business environment

46:02 - The opportunity for everybody to innovate

49:02 - Mark’s next project

 

Additional Resources:

Order Managing on Purpose

Mark Reich on LinkedIn

Mark Reich at the Lean Enterprise Institute

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Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn

MoreSteam's Website

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