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Showing posts from January, 2017

The Theory of Constraints and a Process of Continuous Improvement

Paths to Productivity The Theory of Constraints developed by Eliyahu Goldratt  in his 1984 book entitled  The Goal highlights how organizations are limited by a small number of constraints .   These constraints can add up and impact profit margins by slowing everything else down. The organization can be defined by its weakest link. To improve performance means removing these bottlenecks and ensuring efficiency and proper flow throughout the organization. Bottlenecks can be physical, financial or informational. Manufacturing facilities have spots where products and resources are congested. Likewise, organizations that rely heavily on intellectual capital could have informational bottlenecks that limit task completion.  Financial constraints can also impact both types of organizations when capital is not available to finish projects as needed.  Research helps uncover these bottlenecks and find solutions that improve the overall flow of physical, financial or informational resourc

Snowshoeing into the Wild

Snowshoeing is an excellent outdoor hobby that gets your heart rate pumping and brings you to places that not many have traversed. While it is a popular Northern hobby for those places without large population it can be easily adapted to anyplace that has at least 6 inches of snow.  Many have used snowshoes for ice fishing, hunting, and even getting to their homes. Others have adopted the sport for fun and fitness activities. You will find the benefits of the workout when you are carrying an extra few pounds on each foot and need to lift up to step into the next position.  I use snowshoes for lots of different reasons which include hiking, hunting, and photography. It is an excellent idea to have a few in your house or cabin. Modern snow shoes have better bindings than the ones in the past and even come with an ice cleat. A descent pair can be bought for about $100. Best of all they can double for decoration!

Passive Aggressive Behavior in the Workplace

Passive-aggressive behavior can be the hidden demon that impacts an organization by slowing production and stressing relationships. This behavior is ingrained in a person's personality and can be difficult for companies to overcome. Knowing the signs of passive-aggressive behavior allows for addressing such poor behavior in the workplace. People who regularly use passive-aggressive behavior do so because it is difficult for others to point out their aggressive activities. They use subtle language and actions that damage organizational culture and slow productivity without exposing their hidden aggressive thoughts. As an example, lets say you are working on a project and send an email that requires additional work. A passive-aggressive person may respond with a flat and negative email questioning the necessity of that project, looking for faults, and complaining through rumors and gossip. What happens in this situation is they are trying to punish the person who sends them wor