This is a collection of real-life experiences and stories from those who have spent time at the “gemba.” They have generously offered to write a chapter about lessons learned and tools they have applied. A great book to share with potential volunteers, or nonprofits wanting to learn more about Lean or Six Sigma applied to their organizations.
After writing the first book about why Lean and Six Sigma practitioners should volunteer their skills to help nonprofits, I wanted to give more tangible and real-life examples of how these tools and techniques can be applied.
I’ve reached out to friends and colleagues who are already volunteering their time, and asked them to write a chapter for this first volume, called “Lessons From the Gemba.”
Each author has agreed to donate 100% of any donations or book proceeds to the nonprofit of their choice. The proceeds will be split evenly based on when the book was sold, and how many chapters were in the book. If you know someone who would like to contribute, please have them contact us.
Listen to a free chapter, or download the PDF at http://leansixsigmaenvironment.org/index.php/ec-039-applying-lean-six-sigma-to-a-nonprofit-fundraiser-conference/
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Joe Hnat: Can a Corporate Employee Garden Feed the Hungry? (presentation at IISE conference)
- Proceeds donated to Daily Bread, Inc
- Pat O’Connor: Lessons from a Flag Program and Ushering
- Proceeds donated to Catherine McAuley Center
- Andrew Parris: International Relief and Development Improvement (interview with Andrew on Gemba Academy)
- Mark Novak: Leaning Out Disaster Relief
- Proceeds donated to Brevard Rescue Mission (now New Life Mission)
- Brion Hurley: Applying Lean Six Sigma to a Nonprofit Fundraiser Conference (download sample chapter, interview with Brion on Gemba Academy)
- Proceeds donated to Recycling Advocates (now Waste-free Advocates)
- Kieran Mohammed: Performance Improvement journeyman; from manufacturing to government and nonprofits
- Proceeds donated to The Water Project
- Brent Weichers: Training and Implementing Lean with a Blind Workforce (interview with Brent on Gemba Academy)
- Proceeds donated to Lighthouse for the Blind Inc (Seattle)
- Philip Washburn: Continuous Improvement in Affordable Housing Development
- Proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity MidOhio
- Resources and Next Steps
- View the photos and references from the book.
Here is a 5 minute excerpt from the audiobook version of the book from Brion Hurley, discussing his use of process improvement to a fundraiser conference
How to order
Do you teach in academia, or run a nonprofit? You may be eligible for free copies to share with your staff and students. Contact us for more information.
*Significantly more proceeds to nonprofits received when ordered via eBook/Kindle through LeanPub
Contact us to inquire about buying multiple paperback books.