Teaching People to See Waste

Many manufacturers send teams to waste identification training, but still struggle with employees who can’t see opportunities for improvement. This episode reveals why teaching people to see waste is more about culture than training. Kara Slocum, Director of Manufacturing Operations with Nystrom, shares practical strategies for waste walks, the importance of understanding the current state before making improvements, and how to build waste identification into daily processes. Learn how simple tools like 10-minute cleanup periods and structured waste walk worksheets can transform your team’s ability to spot and eliminate the 8 forms of waste. Discover why asking questions and creating psychological safety matters more than perfect training programs, and get actionable tips for manufacturing leaders ready to develop problem solvers instead of box checkers.

Manufacturing leaders don’t have to figure it out alone. Become a member of Manufacturers Alliance and tap into workshops, tools, and a network of peers who are ready to share what works.