tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42721345016595169102024-03-13T14:17:58.582-07:00The Kaizen WayWill lean techniques(the eight wastes, kaizen, 5S and others) pioneered at Toyota improve our family life at home? Come along as our family becomes "kaizeneers" and little by little embraces The Kaizen way. Follow @kaizeneer on Twitterlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-41114745354211597482013-01-08T14:12:00.000-08:002013-01-08T14:12:35.376-08:00Indy ASQ chapter meeting 1/8/2013 6P-8PJoin us for this talk!<br />
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<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4290767802">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4290767802</a>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-35625737018191242652012-04-05T19:01:00.000-07:002012-04-05T19:01:44.183-07:00Kaizen Klips #3 "Keep Trying"Don't quit, keep improving, you will get there.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KsK2lJnbZxg" width="420"></iframe><br />
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What have you improved today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-42363967015541794342012-03-26T10:02:00.001-07:002012-03-26T12:47:54.742-07:00Building a Kaizen NationAs I have continued my personal use of kaizen, I am convinced it can be used for anything (I wonder if any of the NCAA Final Four basketball teams considered it). In addition, kaizen can be scaled to small projects and to individuals all the way up to large multi-national companies and projects. Today, I find that Kaizen is being implemented in nation states by making it a national priority. Why? Japan realized the value of kaizen and has been exporting it to other nations whom have seen the benefits as well. I wonder when the United States Government will get on board?<br />
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Zambia - In their 3rd year of adopting kaizen as a nation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTmBArdOktt0bCPVDcDvEt2SU4upA7-pA11Twzg_OhkvTCzoQVcsCxJb4sRMZCbj31wg2PXWO1Dl-JP7aOwle_MfGfn64tDdT-MWM3sI8mThgU75lycL1w3uPRWkUjA9I5DDJmTW7K-8l/s1600/Kaizen+conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTmBArdOktt0bCPVDcDvEt2SU4upA7-pA11Twzg_OhkvTCzoQVcsCxJb4sRMZCbj31wg2PXWO1Dl-JP7aOwle_MfGfn64tDdT-MWM3sI8mThgU75lycL1w3uPRWkUjA9I5DDJmTW7K-8l/s320/Kaizen+conference.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.zm.emb-japan.go.jp/en/topic/02.18.KAI.html">http://www.zm.emb-japan.go.jp/en/topic/02.18.KAI.html</a><br />
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Remarks by the Japanese Ambassador: <a href="http://www.zm.emb-japan.go.jp/en/press/02.18.KAI.doc">http://www.zm.emb-japan.go.jp/en/press/02.18.KAI.doc</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlfFaNXQeGwg1b-wBNSOiztcaGVn1Lzc4M9WDyvpvqJaYLsp3dOzrznnsriHY8ibgGB-CJv3PyIxTx_tjhP0FGui1Bc7mULxZMo4Le0AaoPuiGRpvIwRN8YAPO-V4IOE3kEhAws_Xl99R/s1600/Singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlfFaNXQeGwg1b-wBNSOiztcaGVn1Lzc4M9WDyvpvqJaYLsp3dOzrznnsriHY8ibgGB-CJv3PyIxTx_tjhP0FGui1Bc7mULxZMo4Le0AaoPuiGRpvIwRN8YAPO-V4IOE3kEhAws_Xl99R/s1600/Singapore.jpg" /></a></div>Singapore - working on improving quality since the 1980s. The 2011 Legatum prosperity index rated Singapore #1 economy with a per capita GDP of $59K, 95% literacy, and life expectancy of 73 years. <br />
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Could there be a connection with kaizen? <a href="http://www.spa.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=67">http://www.spa.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=67</a><br />
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2011 Legatum ranking <a href="http://www.prosperity.com/country.aspx?id=SG">http://www.prosperity.com/country.aspx?id=SG</a><br />
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More countries, such as Malaysia are considering a National Kaizen Movement for their country. Why? Because it works anywhere in any size, family, organization, or team. It's not just for Japan anymore.<br />
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What country have you improved today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneer<br />
<a href="http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/">http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/</a>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-66690682005048316092012-03-20T18:05:00.001-07:002012-03-20T18:09:37.437-07:00Kaizen Klips #2 "Let's help him see it."I keep a playlist of videos that illustrate continuous improvement in interesting ways. Here is #2 from the miniseries From Earth to Moon. This clip features engineers coming up with a different way of thinking about landing on the moon.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DLQeqMaHVYs" width="420"></iframe><br />
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What have you helped people to see today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneer <br />
<a href="http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/">http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/</a>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-24954700181007042372012-03-15T05:55:00.000-07:002012-03-15T05:55:08.926-07:00Kaizen or hillbilly batching?One trampoline flow or leaf batching?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCV7O_PD5kz0RgTSxvRhBpFlWMdc23DAuOuRO5eNw9OaCC0yxQBjKnLen7bfEa73I6iwBFNqCRg7vJFloFZ0uE4_MaaRMKHlxxdq-Fvr4Qgd154M2AwapTVgkXNH2_5_cBt2_7n_u9nq8/s1600/Before.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCV7O_PD5kz0RgTSxvRhBpFlWMdc23DAuOuRO5eNw9OaCC0yxQBjKnLen7bfEa73I6iwBFNqCRg7vJFloFZ0uE4_MaaRMKHlxxdq-Fvr4Qgd154M2AwapTVgkXNH2_5_cBt2_7n_u9nq8/s320/Before.bmp" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooG6ZUDcDBAwbeymQ2LTtmyk4q1F8tWULLTIJXo-crc90USUN-SSlK_5udysNOBAyzlMJxDwDYJNivTRaImIc0tE1bv9Ublrh-UPcs8MAUELet4809Qx-WxdS-1Eo3hN_4l_u7WvcLQ0c/s1600/Tramp+kaizen.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooG6ZUDcDBAwbeymQ2LTtmyk4q1F8tWULLTIJXo-crc90USUN-SSlK_5udysNOBAyzlMJxDwDYJNivTRaImIc0tE1bv9Ublrh-UPcs8MAUELet4809Qx-WxdS-1Eo3hN_4l_u7WvcLQ0c/s320/Tramp+kaizen.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpiA1A4JPvCSt48QKJLgFSoyM2Lr9K5QeKA8JaUqiXgeePHFNEFbt2napDLHCnT9lOqMLbxt26_bfvdWmxpGRI5uLjj1AQ1JMK0jPtYPRd9RiMsJPnJhQJdhgDfJFeGH5H4YA4uYhV26o/s1600/After.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpiA1A4JPvCSt48QKJLgFSoyM2Lr9K5QeKA8JaUqiXgeePHFNEFbt2napDLHCnT9lOqMLbxt26_bfvdWmxpGRI5uLjj1AQ1JMK0jPtYPRd9RiMsJPnJhQJdhgDfJFeGH5H4YA4uYhV26o/s320/After.bmp" width="320" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-65409711205901254102012-03-12T10:01:00.003-07:002012-03-12T10:29:41.627-07:00Make it easier, make it visibleOver the years, I have learned how to take care of my cars better and better. I wanted to see what kaizens I could do so that family members can help me better monitor key auto fluid levels. So, here was my first attempt to make the process of checking more visible and easier:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UYloLOE0siE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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So, I now build on the first idea:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GxSNNVNnR-s" width="560"></iframe><br />
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What ideas have you improved upon today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneer<br />
<a href="http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/">http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/</a>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-86114214993164171072012-03-09T13:06:00.002-08:002012-03-09T13:22:38.075-08:00Why every family in American needs a continuous improvement programToday, I am going to take a little more serious tone in this post than usual. Most Americans hear news stories everyday about inflation but the implications get lost between celebrity sound bites and junk news. People don't realize that accumulating effects of inflation each year that eats away savings and family finances. In addition, monetary policy of the central bank is punishing savers by paying little or no interest. So, your costs go up and your net income goes down-it's a double whammy. However, there is a counter punch that any family can use to fight this threat-Kaizen.<br />
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First, a graph from <a href="http://www.shadowstats.com/">http://www.shadowstats.com/</a> that shows the rate of inflation from the 1980 formula that is more accurate than today's formula (that conveniently excludes energy and food):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NdQAjYYnaLOf0De26Na1hN_F92EcQrrcvikWstUkRumeAyhUna9Mkky7bT_BaMGP7UvSSWvml7Xe5f8MkhnjzvUFtO20bDhb2ljuhy04sfJKbP91bvElSg5yQ8kVlBzSOjL6oF0xeN5d/s1600/sgs-cpi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NdQAjYYnaLOf0De26Na1hN_F92EcQrrcvikWstUkRumeAyhUna9Mkky7bT_BaMGP7UvSSWvml7Xe5f8MkhnjzvUFtO20bDhb2ljuhy04sfJKbP91bvElSg5yQ8kVlBzSOjL6oF0xeN5d/s400/sgs-cpi.gif" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>At 10% annual inflation, what a dollar would buy today will require $1.61 to purchase in 2017. Even if you use the official 2% inflation figure, your dollar will lose over 10% of its purchasing power in just five years. What can citizens do? While we can't control inflation, we can control our response to this threat and mobilize our family, our focus, and our creativity and start your own continuous improvement program at home.<br />
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So, here's what you can do:<br />
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1) Educate your family on the effects of inflation.<br />
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2) Start a kaizen program and get everyone involved. Have every family member contribute ideas in the following areas:<br />
<ul><li>What are we paying for that we are not using?</li>
<li>How can we eliminate debt faster?</li>
<li>What resources are we wasting?</li>
<li>What areas do we have resources that we should be using but aren't?</li>
<li>How can we do things better?</li>
<li>What skills can we develop that could help the family?</li>
<li>What can we optimize that is not optimal today?</li>
<li>What improvements can we make today to make life better?</li>
</ul>3) Track your ideas and savings and share the results so everyone home can see it. Make it fun and recognize the good work and good ideas that come out of this effort.<br />
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This blog was founded on the idea that Kaizen, change for the better, is a martial art form that can fight the inflation monster. I urge all families to start now...it's never too late to start improving.<br />
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What have you improved today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-56822428562322921202012-03-06T01:03:00.005-08:002012-03-06T01:03:00.762-08:00Kaizen Klips #1I keep a playlist of videos that illustrate continuous improvement in interesting ways and shows the concept. I will share these with you over the course of time. Here is #1 that defines kaizen.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XA9smZFrc5o" width="420"></iframe><br />
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What klips have you shared today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-87360353435360516002012-03-02T01:29:00.001-08:002012-03-05T11:35:40.252-08:00Heijunka and the art of lawn workHeijunka is defined as production smoothing where orders are "leveled out" over time to create a more stable and predictable process. From wikipedia:<br />
<em>"As in any process, fluctuations in performance increase waste. This is because equipment, workers, inventory and all other elements required for production must always be prepared for peak production. This is a cost of flexibility. If a later process varies its withdrawal of parts in terms of timing and quality, the range of these fluctuations will increase as they move up the line towards the earlier processes. This is known as demand amplification. Where demand is constant, production leveling is easy, but where customer demand fluctuates, two approaches have been adopted: 1) demand leveling and 2) production leveling through flexible production.</em><br />
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I decided to try this thinking when it comes to yard work-which is a chore I hate. Typically, my lawn work schedule in a given week would look like this based on how much I did in the yard each day: <br />
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Monday-0 min, Tuesday-0 min, Wednesday-0 min, Thursday-0 min, Friday-0 min, Saturday-75 min, Sunday-30 minutes <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div>So, I decided to level my work across all seven days using heijunka principles so it now the schedule looks like this: <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://whats4family.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Yardwork.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-326" height="150" src="http://whats4family.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Yardwork-150x150.jpg" width="150" /></a>Monday-15 min</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tuesday-15 min</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wednesday-15 min</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thursday-15 min</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Friday-15 min</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Saturday-15 min</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sunday-15 minutes </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now I find that I actually enjoy puting in a quarter of an hour each day on lawn work since the burden is lighter. In addition, it has become a habit that I find myself compelled to do. Little by little, the tedious yard work is getting done and I find myself looking forward to it since it only lasts 15 minutes. I will be applying this leveling concept in other areas as well to see what I can level and make better and become a good habit. </div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What work have you leveled out today? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dan Lafever, Kaizeneer</div>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-39278423776699181602012-02-27T05:49:00.004-08:002012-02-27T07:34:41.865-08:00Little by little improving singing talent...I have featured my children's improvement ideas in previous posts and here's one where my son organized his choir practice schedule to reduce search waste and make his schedule visible:<br />
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<a href="http://littlebylittlechange.blogspot.com/2008/05/kid-kaizen-my-son-jacobs-improvement.html">Make schedule visible</a><br />
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Jacob in now a freshman in college was a finalist in Residence Hall Got Talent over the weekend. Here's how years of continually improving his voice has paid off (His part starts at 1:10 into the video). His selection was "Home" from The Wiz musical and we are very proud of him!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hMVkG1Yg8Ng" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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What has your family improved today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-73229512038571863542012-02-23T01:50:00.001-08:002012-02-27T06:14:27.813-08:00Fun videos that illustrate continuous improvementGuinness (this blog post is not an endorsement of their product) has a few commercials that beautifully illustrate kaizen thinking in a humorous way. Here's a few to enjoy...<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q0G6C02uQ9U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FsuNawMlDdo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8P2sszP9pUM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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What games have you improved today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-51956145028102354602012-02-21T12:40:00.000-08:002012-02-21T12:40:35.449-08:00Imagineering fruitSmall Japanese grocery stores had a problem. Watermelons are large and bulky and take up too much room. Many producers gave up this market while other farmers responded differently. Rethinking the problem, farmers found growing watermelons in a square box created a stackable fruit. Customers loved this innovation since it fit well in small refrigerators. Here's a Japanese video (you will get the idea without subtitles) that illustrates this innovation. <br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RqktRZ9t1GM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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How many problems could we solve at work and at home if we used a little imagination and improvement thinking?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-31891009580542929052012-02-15T03:31:00.000-08:002012-02-15T03:31:00.117-08:00Little by little - Biblical kaizenThe practice of kaizen or continuous improvement has very ancient roots. In the Bible, there are several examples of this type of technique. Exodus 23:27-30 illustrates this very well:<br />
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“I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land."<br />
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God states why He will use small continual change over large revolutionary changes:<br />
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1) Too much change too fast has adverse effects<br />
2) Change should be paced so that you can grow sustainably and not be overwhelmed<br />
3) Time is a necessary component of successful transition<br />
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A friend of mine in Weight Watchers says that many diets fail because the change happens too fast and the dieter doesn't accomplish the needed character changes to keep off the pounds. Indeed, this passage sheds light on the reasons for small but steady change. Skip the "shock and awe" change and go with the small and steady approach instead.<br />
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What have you improved today?<br />
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Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-76541431846907605922012-02-13T01:21:00.000-08:002012-02-13T07:09:55.365-08:00Wiining three contests, two IPads, one methodAnd the Winner of the PlusIs Twitter Contest is…<br />
By DHurwitz on Fri January 20, 2012 8:00 AM<br />
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After an entertaining couple of months, we are pleased to announce the winners of Serena Software’s latest Twitter contest. The PlusIs contest generated hundreds of creative “Plusisms” from a variety of submitters. It was a difficult decision to narrow down to the category and Grand Prize winners. However, it was an enjoyable exercise, especially because the Grand Prize winner receives an iPad 2 and a $500 donation towards the charity of his choice, while the category winners receive $50 gift cards and $250 donations to their favorite charities. <br />
Donating $1,000 to charity is always gratifying! <br />
The Twitter-based contest called for contestants to submit Plusisms for three categories: Technology, Holiday and General. Inspired by Serena’s very own Plusism of “People + Process = Business In Sync,” we saw a little bit of everything from the hilarious to the bizarre. <br />
<br />
<i>This is the third tweeting contest I have won in the last 4 months using kaizen thinking. The little by little method of continually improving can be used in any endeavour...I still talk to people that tell me kaizen won't work for them because (enter reason here). I' still trying to figure out what to do with the 2nd IPad. That's a good problem to have...</i><br />
<br />
<br />
…AND THE WINNERS AND WINNING SUBMISSIONS ARE: <br />
Grand Prize (iPad 2) and $500 to Charity of Choice<b></b><br />
Technology Category:<br />
@Kaizeneer<br />
Poor Release Management + Frazzled Service Desk = Pain Management @Serena_Software #PlusIs<br />
<b></b>Runner-ups and Winners of the Cash Prizes and $250 Donations to Charity of Choice<br />
Holiday Category:<br />
@JadenRuby<br />
NBA + Lockout = 7 Christmas Day Knockouts YEA! @Serena_Software #plusis<br />
General Category:<br />
@jodeepups <br />
Creative Tweets + @Serena_Software = A Win Win Situation for my Favorite Charity & me! #PlusIs<br />
Winners were selected based on creativity, humor and relevance and announced via Twitter on January 20th, 2012. Judges also verified that all submissions adhered to the published contest rules and guidelines. <br />
Thanks to the multitude of entrants and our judging panel for another great contest!<br />
David Hurwitz is SVP of Worldwide Marketing at Serena Software.lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-70992795940815943382012-02-10T01:35:00.000-08:002012-02-10T01:35:00.103-08:00Bible studies, Genuis birds, and all things kaizenA preacher told me once that it's a sin to make the Bible boring. I took this admonition to heart so I try to make my lessons fun, inspiring, and meaningful using the Scriptures. When I was studying the Bible with my son, I would find YT videos that helped illustrate verses and stories to help the Word come alive. My son and I studied the story of Elijah and the daily feeding by the ravens. It seems far fetched until we did research into these animals and were amazed at what we learned. As a interesting side note, we found this great video on how smart this aviaries are and watched it together. It helped build his faith and amplify the prophet's story.<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F8L4KNrPEs0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
What Bible story have you made exciting today?<br />
<br />
Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-60868859046519317742012-02-07T01:30:00.000-08:002012-02-07T01:30:01.207-08:00Prevent meeting waiting waste!Here's a video from my workplace using continuous improvement at the job. This clever solution helps prevent wasted time in meetings from a screen and white board melee!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BqCLfictBic" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-15139938885112395742012-02-04T01:18:00.000-08:002012-02-04T01:18:00.416-08:00Krazy Koffee KaizenA few years ago, there was a great video demonstrating the seven wastes while making coffee. It was in another language that was maybe Danish or Icelandic and was taken down at some point. Here's my quick and easy kaizen on how to use the excess steam waste to get a really warm mug while the java is brewing. My tribute to the "Koffee Kaizen" vids of old.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hAheBRS7-88" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
What brew have you improved today?<br />
<br />
Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-37277094031090159792012-02-02T01:51:00.000-08:002012-02-03T03:59:19.842-08:00Worship service improvementsAs lead usher at my church, we are alway looking for improvements for the worship to be better, more spiritual, and safe for all. Here's a few things that we did last week in our spiritual kaizen program that we call "little by little improvements":<br />
<br />
1. Left side sanctuary Exit sign bulb replaced.<br />
2. Two back row sanctuary lights replaced.<br />
3. Slide clicker replacement reducing congregation wait time.<br />
4. Ushers trained to hold communion trays with two hands to improve safety.<br />
5. Remove items from aisle walkways to improve safety when passing trays.<br />
<br />
Improvements we tried this service:<br />
<br />
1. Texted teachers when sermon started and ended to give them an idea of service pacing and when to wrap us class before parents arrive. Positive feedback and will expand next Sunday.<br />
<br />
2. Created “Lost and Found” detective bureau with younger teens and returned five misplaced items to their owners. I would like to work with a few kids every Sunday to re-position “Lost and Found” as a game and give young teens a chance to serve members by returning their stuff and play a game-this will reduce unclaimed inventory as well over time.<br />
<br />
What worship service have you improved today?<br />
<br />
Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-2590649566667425382012-01-31T01:47:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:50:23.029-08:00Crazy Crow KaizenThis is amazing that animals can be creative and improve their...in this case, fun! Any activity can be improved with Kaizen.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mRnI4dhZZxQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-31646655389059481152012-01-29T01:38:00.000-08:002012-01-29T01:38:00.823-08:00Personal Kaizen from the Book, "The Kaizen Way" - Part 2 & 3Great interview with Dr. Robert Maurer (Part 2 & 3) on his book "The Kaizen Way." So many insights into personal growth and understanding physiological limits to change. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CMQb5FJrop8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LOptB6jTn8c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-86900273981391411482012-01-27T01:33:00.000-08:002012-01-27T01:33:00.857-08:00Personal Kaizen from the Book, "The Kaizen Way"Great interview with Dr. Robert Maurer (Part 1) on his book the Kaizen Way. So many insights here on why Kaizen works and how it can be applied in your family, your life, and relationships. Great stuff.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wWUDV6xJRPc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-86049277938578677262012-01-21T01:37:00.000-08:002012-01-21T01:37:00.485-08:00Lightening strikes twice...Using the same kaizen (continuous improvement) techniques as applied in the Serena Software Haiku contest, I wanted to see if I could achieve success a second time in a different competition. I did... <br />
<br />
<br />
Apica Twitter Contest Winners<br />
Published: 2012-01-04 <br />
Apica Announces Winners of Holiday e-Retail Twitter Contest<br />
<br />
Grand prize of US $1,000 Amazon Gift Card Awarded to Kaizeneer<br />
<br />
PALO ALTO, Calif. – January 4, 2012 – Apica, a leading load testing and performance-monitoring provider for cloud and mobile applications, today announced the winners of the Apica e-Retail Twitter Contest. Launched in late November 2011, Apica kicked off the holidays with a fun competition for consumers to share their best or worst e-Retail shopping experiences in the form of a rap or rhyme, via a 140-character tweet.<br />
<br />
<br />
Reuters estimated this holiday season brought in over US $35B in online shopping sales worldwide, the highest amount ever recorded. Significant spikes in website traffic can bring serious consequences to unprepared e-Retailers. Slow page load times, performance issues and even downed sites, can effectively put e-Retailers out of business.<br />
<br />
“Research shows 40 percent of online shoppers will abandon a site after waiting three seconds for a page to load. Frustration with online shopping due to performance issues was recounted first hand in many of the creative entries that were submitted for our Twitter contest. From the comical to the unusual, submissions spanned the spectrum, making selecting our winners a tough decision. A huge thank you to all who participated,” said Sven Hammar, CEO of Apica.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Winners were selected based on creativity, humor and also relevance. And the winners are…drum roll please…<br />
Grand Prize ($1,000 Amazon Gift Card)<br />
<br />
Kaizeneer Kaizeneer: Buying bling like Lil John/Check’n status-BAD log on/Order went 2 Kuala Lumpur/Mad like gunshots at Blk Friday store @apicasystems #apicarap<br />
<br />
First Prize ($100 Amazon Gift Card)<br />
<br />
jadenruby jadenruby: @apicasystems #apicarap Online Ease-I'll take it Please/No Bump and Grind-of the annoying kind/Next year all shopping thru computer queue!<br />
<br />
Second Prize ($50 Amazon Gift Card)<br />
<br />
JCris_08 Julius Cristobal: Hate da long line so I jus hop online/ Nothin can beat shoppin from my computer seat #apicarap @apicasystems<br />
<br />
<br />
What contest process have you improved today?<br />
<br />
Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-58162500362811479132012-01-19T01:21:00.000-08:002012-01-19T01:21:00.200-08:00Missing keys + Kaizen = Problem solvedKaizen thinking proves to be so useful especially when plans go awry. One Sunday morning, we encountered several problems right before church. We had a guest staying with us with all his luggage, my daughter had all her items to take back home, her small car was trapped between my van and the garage door and no van key was to be found. We were under time pressure to be there early to help out in the worship service that morning. It would be easy to blow up and get mad at all the things that went wrong. But using Kaizen thinking....well, here's our video of what we did using "spiritual" kaizen:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jnwdKyRZiGQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
What have you improved today?<br />
<br />
Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-17497386050439797192012-01-17T01:40:00.000-08:002012-01-17T01:40:00.771-08:00The slideshow of how I used Kaizen to win a Haiku contestHere is a slideshow demonstrating the iterative process of kaizen. Continuous improvement will work in any field of endeavor. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_10290339"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/Lafever1/using-continual-improvement-to-win-a-haiku-contest" title="Using continual improvement to win a haiku contest" target="_blank">Using continual improvement to win a haiku contest</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/10290339" width="425" height="355" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/Lafever1" target="_blank">Lafever1</a> </div></div><br />
What have you improved today?<br />
<br />
Dan Lafever, Kaizeneerlafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272134501659516910.post-57028753506939778062012-01-16T05:29:00.000-08:002012-01-16T05:41:19.651-08:00The Complete list of Help Desk HaikusHere is the complete list of Help Desk Haikus I submitted for the Serena Software contest. Here's the original site for the contest: http://www.serena.com/solutions/itsm/help-desk-haiku-contest.html<br />
<br />
These are not in alphabetical or chronlogical order of when I tweeted them but I wanted to share because most are based on true experiences I have had over the years. The format of these haikus is the first line is 5 syllables, the middle line is 7, and the last line is 5. Obviously, some are better than others, some work and some fall flat, and some even violate the syllable rule...but that is the point of making things better all the time. I made plenty of bad haikus but learned from them. Again, the whole point for me was to win the haiku contest through kaizen thinking and improving the poem generation process which I accomplished and in turn won an Ipad 2. I hope you enjoy them.<br />
<br />
The grand prize winner:<br />
<br />
Help Desk Horror Flick:<br />
Rogue tech kills main router in:<br />
"Silence of the LANS"<br />
<br />
Other entries:<br />
<br />
It’s Help Desk Hustle<br />
callers “bump and grind” us We’re<br />
Dancing with the Scars!<br />
<br />
Help Desk Queue is full<br />
tickets backing up…We need <br />
support laxative<br />
<br />
Call:”How do you type<br />
a capital one?” Mission:<br />
It’s impossible.<br />
<br />
Little Help Desk Annie<br />
”Tomorrow, tomorrow, We’ll<br />
help ya, tomorrow! <br />
<br />
"I’m typing my pass-<br />
word but can’t see it." "What<br />
do you see?" "Five stars"<br />
<br />
Help Desk reality<br />
Unapproved sys change again?<br />
Annie, get your gun!<br />
<br />
“Yes, the PC off<br />
button. No, not Cisco box.<br />
Not that one. Sir? SIR!” <br />
<br />
The Users smiling<br />
satisfaction is rising<br />
Service…surprising!<br />
<br />
User calling<br />
Agent bawling;queue sprawling<br />
Service appalling<br />
<br />
Holy war: Firewall at<br />
St. Ann’s drops St. John's machines<br />
Help Desk under fire.<br />
<br />
The wireless printer<br />
is down" Agent: "What is wrong?" Need<br />
wireless toner."<br />
<br />
Sci-Fi show: Alien<br />
ware virus attack!Battle<br />
scar...wait...Reactica!<br />
<br />
Reboot it again!<br />
Nothing but Windows because<br />
of Linux cynics.<br />
<br />
Physician: “Help Desk<br />
can’t help?” Doctor Jekyll<br />
turns to Mister Hyde!<br />
<br />
Help Desk predictors<br />
they fix broke stuff before called<br />
tech just got a kiss!<br />
<br />
“PC is making<br />
funny noise and flashing” Sounds<br />
like midlife cri-sys.<br />
<br />
When do you get all<br />
nice doctor and lawyer calls?<br />
On April Fools Day! <br />
<br />
User:”My smart phone fell<br />
in the toilet” Agent: “And<br />
you expect me to…?<br />
<br />
“I am sorry, we<br />
are sorry” all day! Help Desk<br />
Apologetics <br />
<br />
Monty Python desk,<br />
The nurses fight us in the <br />
“Argument clinic”<br />
<br />
Help desk book of work<br />
rhymes: You scream, I scream, we all<br />
scream when it blue screens!<br />
<br />
Want stability?<br />
Help Desk Agility? Go<br />
Serena-ty now!<br />
<br />
Endless ringing line<br />
Fax machine with wrong number<br />
Praying it will stop<br />
<br />
Dumb Email user <br />
“Nora Ply” is no reply<br />
“Auto” not a car!<br />
<br />
Nervous new agent<br />
Trips up words-"do you have sex?"<br />
“Every chance I get!”<br />
<br />
On remote control<br />
I move mouse and user freaks<br />
Calls a priest for help<br />
<br />
A bad mouse problem<br />
Dead rodent inside PC<br />
My job-pest control <br />
<br />
All my haikus true<br />
Based on my experience<br />
Can’t make this stuff up<br />
<br />
Lawyer on the phone<br />
Can’t change password every time<br />
Last in law school class<br />
<br />
Finance person calls<br />
Can’t find capital ‘1’ key<br />
Bottom line we’re hosed<br />
<br />
Machine zapping us <br />
Send someone to fix it now<br />
User cattle prod<br />
<br />
What OS is it?<br />
Seven, Vista ,or XP?<br />
Dang! It’s 95?<br />
<br />
Call Help Desk agent<br />
Kids crying in the background<br />
Think I heard a flush<br />
<br />
Feels like Star Wars Desk<br />
“not the ‘droid you’re looking for”<br />
Get an iphone Luke!<br />
<br />
Doc screams “saving lives!”<br />
“Need my password changed right now!”<br />
Calls from funeral home<br />
<br />
Programming mistake<br />
Cuts ticket closing down to<br />
“Thank you for your ass.”<br />
<br />
Agent amnesia<br />
Asks for number several times<br />
“What is it again?”<br />
<br />
Gollum on the line<br />
Old Tolkien ring network hung<br />
“Lost my precious” file<br />
<br />
Convent Help Desk call<br />
Nun spills drink onto PC<br />
Water into whine.<br />
<br />
Conflicker Help Desk<br />
Worm Flicks, Worm conns, Worm conflict <br />
Bad conflicted worm! <br />
<br />
User frustration!<br />
Conversation, detection :)<br />
Resolution! Done.<br />
<br />
Kid at Help Desk bash <br />
Powers off the server room<br />
Party now a wake<br />
<br />
Starbucks strikes again/<br />
Laptop takes coffee bath needs/<br />
Decaffeination<br />
<br />
Press1 for Help Desk,<br />
Press 1, press 2, press 1 now,<br />
Depressed pressing<br />
<br />
Calling Doctor Jones<br />
Agent saves pix file from purge <br />
Raiders of lost art<br />
<br />
Annoyed lawyer<br />
Blames Help Desk for late file<br />
Now it is my fault<br />
<br />
Legal database<br />
Makes mad laywer ride my case<br />
Purge that darn FLAW base!<br />
<br />
Jaws on help desk line<br />
Talks so much my rear is sore<br />
Need a bigger butt<br />
<br />
“Help me recall note!”<br />
Exec pay info to all<br />
Whoops! There is it! Doh!<br />
<br />
Elmer Fudd on phone<br />
Weally need more PC Wam<br />
Trying not to laugh!<br />
<br />
Lisper on the line<br />
O Thufferin Thuccotash!<br />
Tweety next in queue<br />
<br />
Psych unit calling<br />
“Printer ‘dummy’ error here”<br />
Need a smart phone now!<br />
<br />
The lab is calling<br />
Specimen test down-O poop!<br />
Wait-reboot…UR-ine<br />
<br />
System engineer<br />
“Help Desk has no clue!” then he<br />
Reboots wrong server.<br />
<br />
Lawyer plays Help Desk<br />
to peer. “YOU’RE DUMB!” Peer: “They knew<br />
That when I started.” ;) <br />
<br />
Drug dispenser call,<br />
“Problems with my purple drawers…”<br />
Oh no -TMI!<br />
<br />
One ring to find them,<br />
Auto answer binds them, your calls<br />
no one minds them.<br />
<br />
Users ballistic<br />
Agents antagonistic<br />
Bad day statistic!<br />
<br />
It is Hell desk day<br />
Abandon all hope ye who<br />
enter call queue here <br />
<br />
Dual Docs yelling! Team:<br />
“We took two ‘pills’ but don’t call<br />
us in the morning!” <br />
<br />
Help Desk was so swell<br />
till the data circuit fell<br />
call queue went to…pot. ;)<br />
<br />
Darth Vader call here<br />
Breathes so loud-hurts my ear<br />
halitosis fear<br />
<br />
Help Desk: Star Trek Fan<br />
hogs bandwidth on clinic lan<br />
”No Hulu Sulu!”<br />
<br />
“Why change my password?<br />
Why reboot? Why now? Why me?”<br />
Users are WHY-red!<br />
<br />
Backhoe on Road One<br />
Gave Help Desk Queue lots of fun<br />
fiber cut-dig it?<br />
<br />
Mary just got a<br />
little spam-replied to all<br />
What was she thinking?<br />
<br />
Report Writer call<br />
”My job dropped the server?”<br />
One shot, all killed!<br />
<br />
Doctor Folgers call<br />
”Laptop had a fall.” Wasn’t<br />
good to the last drop<br />
<br />
“Bad printer! Every<br />
page is blank!” “Change the toner?”<br />
Silence on the line.<br />
<br />
“PC is dog slow!”<br />
snaps user. Help Desk wearing<br />
Milkbone underwear.lafeverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10222684709545024697noreply@blogger.com1