New Lessons in Lean, Leadership, and Learning from Mistakes

Nov 17, 2025 8:18 pm

The Mistakes That Make Us is a recipient of the Shingo Publication Award from the Shingo Institute!

Hi :

A lot of fresh material is up on my blog and podcasts, all circling around a core theme: how real learning happens when systems support people—not the other way around. Recent posts range from a light but meaningful lesson on unlearning old habits in pickleball, to deeper dives into Lean leadership routines, daily management, and what it looks like when improvement is grounded in respect for people.

You’ll also find new reflections on Larry Culp’s approach at GE, a look back at how a simple coffee-filter Kaizen helped spark a culture change, and a reminder that systems need to flex under pressure rather than buckle.

On the podcast side, Lean Blog Interviews features a rich conversation with Darren Walsh about why so many improvement efforts stall and how leaders can build the consistency their organizations need.

And My Favorite Mistake just launched a new “Mistake of the Week” series with a case of 531 accidental condolence letters—an almost unbelievable story that reveals how fragile systems can be when safeguards are thin.

If you’re interested in leadership behaviors, psychological safety, or practical continuous improvement, there’s a lot waiting for you to explore.

Learn Lean Leadership from the Source — Kentucky, April 14–16, 2026

I attended this event last year as Mike Hoseus’s guest, and it was outstanding. If you want a truly inside look at Toyota’s culture and leadership system, this is the place to learn it.

FocusIn: High-Performance Culture and Lean Leadership

Lexington, KY — April 14–16, 2026

Event info: https://focusinleadership.com/events

Highlights include:

Workshop sessions led by Mike Hoseus
TSSC-led TPS tour at Toyota Kentucky
Additional plant visits
Distillery tour, tasting, and dinner

Use code GRABAN for $500 off.

If strengthening your Lean leadership system is on your 2026 roadmap, I highly recommend it.

Let's Work Together

As we head into fall, I have space to take on a few new coaching and advisory clients.

If you're leading change and facing challenges like:

A Lean journey that feels stalled or superficial
Teams that hesitate to speak up
Metrics that confuse more than clarify
Improvement work that doesn’t stick
A culture that talks about learning—but doesn’t act on it

…you’re not alone.

Through virtual coaching, I work with leaders in multiple industries to build cultures of continuous improvement, strengthen psychological safety, and lead with clarity—even in the face of uncertainty.

✅ One-hour virtual sessions

✅ 10-session packages available

✅ Free intro call to explore fit

If a thinking partner would be helpful right now, let’s talk.

👉 Learn more or get in touch

Here’s to a strong finish to the year—rooted in learning, reflection, and practical progress.

Get Started

Also in this update:

☕ Ask Mark and Jamie Flinchbaugh your Lean questions
🌍 New language editions: Italian Kindle eBook now available, plus Spanish print, eBook, and audiobook
🎥 Explore my Mistake-Proofing course via TKMG Academy
🎧 Listen to a free sample of the audiobook for The Mistakes That Make Us

Ask Mark & Jamie Your Lean Questions

Another way to get input and help is to submit a question to me and my co-host, Jamie Flinchbaugh, for an episode of our "Lean Coffee Talk" podcast.

Ask us about Lean methods, leadership, culture, and more...

Submit Your Question Now

Discounts on Mark's Books

Amazon is currently offering great prices on my two latest books...

The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation

Paperback edition — just $10.99 (regularly $19.95) - also in Kindle, hardcover, and audiobook formats

Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More

Paperback edition — just $22.73 (regularly $39.95) - also in Kindle and hardcover formats

2026: Come Learn in Japan With Me!

Looking ahead to 2026, I’ve partnered with two highly experienced bilingual guides to design a Lean Healthcare Accelerator Tour—a curated, small-group experience explicitly built for executives and senior leaders who want to go beyond tools and learn from some of Japan’s top Lean hospitals and improvement leaders.

This isn’t just a tour. It’s an accelerator—designed to help you bring powerful, practical insights back to your organization.

🧭 Site visits to hospitals, manufacturers, and TPS experts

🧠 Facilitated learning and deep reflection (with me and other attendees)

🎌 All logistics, translation, and local travel included

👉 Read the full post and details here:

Join Me in Japan: A Lean Healthcare Accelerator Experience

To learn more about the planned itinerary, cost, and other details, please reply to this email. Early bird and group rate pricing options are available.

I'd Love to Help You — Virtually or On-Site

I'm open to working with you, either virtually or on-site.

If I can help your team or organization as:

... please let me know. You can reply to this email or schedule a call to discuss your needs and situation — and how I might be able to help.

I can also do a similar session for organizations in other industries!

New Languages for The Mistakes That Make Us

🌍 Now Available in Italian!

The Kindle eBook edition of Gli errori che ci rendono ciò che siamo is now available on Amazon. This Italian translation brings the book’s message to a wider audience—highlighting how embracing mistakes can drive learning, psychological safety, and continuous improvement.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to Patrizia Mazza for editing and refining the AI-translated text. Her thoughtful work ensures the Italian edition speaks clearly and authentically to local readers.

Paperback also available!

🇪🇸 Expanded Spanish Options

The Spanish edition—Los errores que nos hacen ser quienes somos—is available in print, Kindle eBook, and audiobook formats via Amazon. Whether you're reading on paper, screen, or listening on the go, the message remains the same:

🎧 The audiobook is also available on Audible, narrated by an automated Spanish-speaking voice for accessibility and clarity.

Thank you for continuing to support and share this work. I hope these translations help leaders and teams around the world build cultures where people feel safe to speak up, experiment, and learn from mistakes.

My Mistake-Proofing Course for TKMG Academy!

Please check out my Mistake-Proofing course that's available through Karen Martin and TKMG Academy.

This video is a short preview from the start of Lesson 1:

You can buy the course individually at TKMGAcademy.com for $149. Volume discounts are available for large teams or your entire workforce (for more information, email info@tkmgacademy.com).

The course is also part of the wonderful collection of courses in the all-access annual subscription.

Learn More via My Blog