Operational Excellence Mixtape - May 15, 2026
The article critiques superficial boardroom root‑cause exercises, urging real‑world testing of hypotheses. It contrasts two AI strategies: replacing human judgment versus augmenting it, using the Cinderella metaphor to illustrate cultural impact. Operational excellence is reframed as building a team’s problem‑solving confidence rather than eliminating all problems. Finally, it warns that erasing productive friction—especially through over‑reliance on AI—can diminish critical thinking, autonomy, and employee vitality.
Operational Excellence Mixtape - May 1, 2026
AI is reshaping continuous improvement in supply chains by delivering real‑time feedback loops that prioritize signal‑based monitoring over traditional spec checks. Hospitals are applying the same data‑driven rigor, with UMass medical students conducting trash audits to slash waste and emissions....
Operational Excellence Mixtape - April 17, 2026
The piece stresses that AI adoption hinges on aligning tools with existing people and processes, not merely deploying technology. It argues for augmenting human judgment rather than replacing workers, warning that a fixation on perfect optimization can choke learning. Consistent...
Operational Excellence Mixtape - March 6, 2026
The Operational Excellence Mixtape reflects on 25 years of Agile, arguing the movement has drifted from its discovery‑focused roots toward bureaucratic rituals. It highlights a growing trend among Fortune 500 CEOs who view lean methodologies as essential foundations before layering AI...