Michael E Parker Blog

Organizational development professionals are often called upon to perform audits of various processes. These experts are looking for ways to improve efficiencies among common production areas. Lean production and management systems offer a variety of methods for improving manufac ...

As the pandemic winds down due to vaccination, business leaders seem to be divided as to how to proceed when it comes to working from home versus completely office-based employment. While many look forward to the day where business will be conducted as usual or strictly from the ...

When it comes to building the road to success, sometimes we’re our own biggest stumbling block. Whether you’re afraid things will blow up in your face, and all your effort will be wasted, or you’re fearful of the challenges, and struggles success might bring, fear can stop you de ...

In my last post, I began talking about the building blocks of lean culture and how to cultivate lean culture in your workplace. In this post, I’d like to continue on that topic and provide a few more key factors in the creation of such a work environment. If you missed Part 1 of ...

Your organization’s culture impacts everything your business touches, all the way down to how the public will view your company. Just like individuals, organizations communicate. In this way, an organization’s culture can build the business up or bury it in just a matter of days. ...

Lean management is a great business tool, as it allows businesses to run efficiently, which cuts costs and improves product quality. However, there are hurdles that many companies run into when implementing this method. Do not fret if the following become your reality; instead, p ...

Lean management is a style of management that focuses on customer success, eliminating waste, and continual change. Companies that are struggling to get by or that must change their antiquated systems and processes are great candidates for implementing lean management. Yet, while ...

Throughout my 20+ years as a CEO and entrepreneur I’ve found that great leaders don’t just demonstrate their skills during times of success. Their character remains the same, even during adversity. The past year has stretched all of us in our leadership skills. We’ve had to adjus ...

Lean management is all about providing values to customers based on their need, all while eliminating as much waste as possible. As a lean management expert, I had the opportunity to learn lean principles from first generation lean experts in Japan on the Toyota production line. ...

One of the benefits of being an entrepreneur is not having a boss breathing down your neck or dictating your every moment. Conversely, however, not having a boss can make it difficult sometimes for entrepreneurs to stay focused and get done what they need to do. Keeping your ener ...

Your social media marketing strategy is an important aspect of your overall marketing efforts. With more and more people online today and using social media, it is a great way to reach new customers and stay in touch with loyal ones. Every year you should evaluate your social med ...

Your commute to and from work can be tiring and frustrating at times. For some individuals, a commute could last anywhere from one to two hours just going one way. However much time you have during your commute, that time could be used to help you in a variety of different ways. ...

As a leader, it can be tempting to prioritize work over everything else in your life. However, by doing so, leaders miss out on important moments in life, their health deteriorates, and they can become resentful of others who spend more time focusing on areas outside of work. If ...

Entrepreneurs often think about everything other than themselves. It can be tempting to work 16-hour days and try to cram a whole evening and night into the remaining 8 hours of the day. However, entrepreneurs who overwork themselves often neglect key areas of their health that c ...

Business has rarely changed as quickly as it has due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are few companies that are operating as normal, and even then, there are often new policies and procedures that have to be instituted for people’s safety. After the pandemic dies down, whether th ...

As a manager, one of the most important things you can do for your employees is to help them manage their stress and avoid burnout. Burnout is when a person becomes mentally worn down from their daily duties and suffers from symptoms like lethargy, reduced creativity, a constant ...

Lean management is a great business tool, as it allows businesses to run efficiently, which cuts costs and improves product quality. However, there are hurdles that many companies run into when implementing this method. Do not fret if the following become your reality; instead, p ...

Starting a business is a dream of many, but few take the necessary steps to make their dream a reality. For most people, it is either the fear of failure or a lack of motivation that holds them back from taking the first step. If you are struggling to get started with your entrep ...

Understanding your employees is a key factor for every leader. However, some people are reluctant to open up to their supervisor, which can cause miscommunication. A way around this problem is to introduce personality testing into your onboarding, and to have all current employee ...

Entrepreneurs understand that business often comes first. Still, there can come a point where putting your work above everything else is unhealthy. Usually, entrepreneurs do not actively try to lead unhealthy lives; their poor habits often catch up with them over time. Before you ...