Organizations invest thousands of dollars and countless hours into lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement training programs. Certifications get awarded. Belts get earned.

But nothing actually changes.

Technical problem-solving training alone isn’t enough to drive meaningful impact. Without guidance and support on how to apply problem-solving tools—and the people-side of leading change—improvements stall. 

In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Tracy O’Rourke and Elisabeth Swan, co-founders of the Just-in-Time Café and co-authors of "The Problem-Solver’s Toolkit." With more than 50 years of combined Lean Six Sigma experience, they’ve trained and coached thousands of problem-solvers across industries—from healthcare and government to manufacturing and service—helping teams turn knowledge into real results.

Whatever problem-solving method you use—DMAIC, PDCA, or an A3—you’ll walk away with practical insights to help you bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why traditional training programs fail to create lasting problem-solving capability—and what to do instead
• The importance of bringing others along in a change project and staying flexible and curious as the work evolves
• Why successful and sustainable problem-solving requires both technical know-how and people skills
• How to engage teams, navigate change, and keep momentum going while leading a process improvement team 
• How to close the gap between learning and doing by turning skills into real-world results

ABOUT MY GUESTS:

Tracy O’Rourke is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café. As a sought-after consultant, instructor, and speaker with over 25 years of experience, Tracy specializes in cultural change, leadership development, strategic alignment, and process improvement. 

Elisabeth Swan is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, award-winning author of “Picture Yourself a Leader”, and co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café. Elisabeth brings decades of experience helping Fortune 100 companies and nonprofits embrace conscious leadership and continuous improvement. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/51
• My website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.com
• Connect with Tracy O’Rourke: linkedin.com/in/tracy-orourke
• Connect with Elisabeth Swan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethswan
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Download my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst 
• Get your copy of the “Problem-Solver’s Toolkit”: www.jitcafe.com/book 
• My Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip 

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

01:37 The inspiration behind the “Problem Solvers Toolkit” 

02:54 The disconnect between what is education and what leads to retention 

04:22 The aha moments in creating the revised second edition in leading process improvement

05:55 Potholes and detours as a metaphor in process improvements not going the perfect way

06:36 The journey of continuous improvement in taking your team on the journey with you

07:26 Incorporating road games in getting the team involved in problem solving

11:03 What led Tracy and Elisabeth to want to help people in leading process improvement

13:31 The real meaning of being a leader — more than just being a senior executive

16:04 The difference between lean and Six Sigma

18:24 Why the process steps matter more than the name

19:22 Why people feel lean has failed

20:38 Additional learnings in making the second edition of “The Problem-Solver’s Toolkit” 

21:53 Changes made in the second edition including graphics, examples and templates

22:19 What the Just-in-Time Café digital toolkit includes 

25:23 How to solve problems based on solving similar problems

27:19 The 5S Baby spoof music video inspired by process solving tools

29:12 The next spoof song based on root cause analysis

33:16 Elisabeth’s takeaways from the Japan Leadership Experience in seeing worker happiness

34:53 The importance of focusing on human happiness and engagement for growth

36:53 Tracy’s takeaways from the Japan Leadership Experience 

40:00 Top recommendation for being the most effective in getting traction in solving problems

41:41 The importance of building curiosity to get to know people and their experiences

43:34 What is involved in successful problem-solving

44:14 How to close the gap between learning and doing