HOWE Q. WALLACE BLOG

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The Power of “Why” in Lean Practices

Asking “why” is one of the key strategies for achieving better “lean” practices. If you are new to the company, you may see us doing something one way, and it seems like there is a better way. The tendency might be to step back and remain silent. Most new people assume that the long-term employees […]

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The Best Ideas Aren’t Always in the Office

Once upon a time, I was part of a team that faced an extraordinary opportunity. A customer reached out with an urgent request—they had just received a massive order and needed as many pallets as we could build, as fast as we could make them. This was a first for us. Nothing like it had […]

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Creating an Environment Where Respect is Earned and Given

If we are wise, we allow people to “earn” respect and extend the courtesy of “owed” respect. What’s an environment where you “earn” respect look like? Our annual survey gives us a bunch of clues: We make expectations clear. When people know what is expected, they have targets to aim for. Giving a person a target […]

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The “No-Huddle” Mindset: Lessons in Efficiency from Football and Beyond

As you watch football this weekend, pay attention to how many teams are running the “no-huddle” offense. In college, powerhouses like Oregon or Texas A&M have mastered it. In the NFL, some of the most explosive offenses—like Kansas City, Miami, or Philadelphia—use it to dominate. Just over a decade ago, the “no-huddle” was a novelty. […]

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