Beyond Process Optimization

How CIRCA-CLEAR Transforms Lean Six Sigma Into Human-Centered Excellence What if the most powerful improvement methodology in the world has been operating with one hand tied behind its back? For decades, Lean Six Sigma has dominated the organizational improvement landscape, delivering quantifiable results through its rigorous DMAIC methodology. Companies worldwide have achieved billions in savings … Read more

Drowning in “Strategic” Priorities? You’re Not Alone (and It’s Costing You Dearly – Including Your Agility!)

We all nod sagely when the topic of prioritisation comes up. “Focus on what matters most,” we preach. “Identify the vital few that will truly move the needle.” It sounds so simple, so logical. Yet, in the messy reality of organisational life, this fundamental principle often goes out the window, leaving us drowning in a … Read more

Embracing Complexity in Product Management

I’ve spent the day preparing materials on navigating complexity for a bespoke workshop. I’ll be working with a cohort of product managers and product owners from DWP Digital’s product management community of practice in the coming weeks. The workshop is intended to bring together product managers and owners from a wide range of areas across … Read more

Egg and Eggbox Analogy in Agile: Balancing Value and Frameworks

A few days ago, during a fascinating discussion at a Business Black Belt workshop I was facilitating, we explored an intriguing analogy: eggs and eggboxes in the context of Agile. This discussion delved into the delicate balance between the value (the eggs) and the systems or frameworks (the eggboxes) that ensure their safe delivery. Understanding … Read more

Lean Product Management: A Practical Guide to Building Value

In a landscape where speed, innovation, and customer satisfaction are paramount, product management has steadily shifted from heavy upfront planning to more nimble, user-focused, and iterative approaches. Lean Product Management embodies this shift by emphasizing efficiency, customer feedback, and the pursuit of value over mere output. Let’s dive into some fundamental principles, techniques, and practical … Read more

Lean Change Management: A Catalyst for Agile Organizations

Over the last few weeks, I’ve re-read Lean Change Management: Innovative Practices for Managing Organizational Change by Jason Little. Jason provides a practical and insightful guide for navigating the complexities of organizational change. This book offers a fresh perspective on change management, drawing on the principles of Lean and Agile methodologies to deliver a more … Read more