A Happy New Year!

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.  

A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. " 

~ Bill Vaughan

There is really something about the amazing energy of a New Year as long as we don't hope for a new start on old habits. May all your personal and professional hopes, dreams and aspirations come true!


From the bottom of my heart, I wish you Health, Happiness and Prosperity in 2012!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge -Do You Know What Educational Spam is?

Spam is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. For me, spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-rich-quick schemes, or quasi-legal services. Educational spam on the other hand is something entirely different. It's from someone whom you know and it may be well worth your time to explore. If you're still not sure what it is, please take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - What Do You Know about the Reshoring Initiative?

Meet Harry Moser, the Founder of the Reshoring Initiative! The mission of the Reshoring Initiative is to bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States by assisting companies to more accurately assess their total cost of offshoring, and shift collective thinking from 'offshoring is cheaper' to 'local reduces the total cost of ownership.' Take a look!

Manufacturing Excellence - Inspire, Lead and Succeed with HUMOUR!

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."
- E.E. Cummings

Sometimes when I walk into manufacturing facilities I am shocked by the depressing atmosphere that some people have to work in. Why do people think that everything work related has to be serious?

How can employees find joy and satisfaction in the work they do if they are not allowed to communicate with one another? When there is no fun you run the risk of creating a stagnant and boring work environment.

How can you feel alive and energized if there is no humour in the workplace?
How can organizations succeed if people are disengaged and demotivated?

As a manager, can you imagine the impact you could have on your employees if you would improve your communication skills and spruce up boring presentations by making them funnier and livelier?
How would you  feel if people actually listened  to what you had to say?

If you have a moment, please check out this great video with a very original idea:

Humour @ Work

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Women in Manufacturing?

Recently I had the exciting opportunity to be part of an event that was a milestone for women in the 21st Century. About 150 women executives, managers and supervisors gathered in Cleveland, OH at the First Annual "Women in Manufacturing" symposium. This unique networking and educational event was designed exclusively for women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry. I had the privilege to interview some very dynamic women. I invite you to hear their insights.

Our Next FREE Workshop at the Richmond Hill Library is on December 6, 2011

Lost your Job?  Hate your Job?

Discover what you want and go for it!

Have you been laid off once or multiple times? Are fearful that you may be laid off soon?  Do you feel stuck in your current career? Do you  want to change direction but don’t know how?  Are you ready to be proactive and make a plan for your life?

We can help! We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, we have learned from our own experience that attitude is everything and it is our goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."

~ Helen Keller

When? December 6 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm

Where? Central Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill, L4C 0H5 (west/south corner of Major Mackenzie and Yonge)
Why? This is our contribution to serve the community

Please register @ the Library or via email at karin@karicosolutions.com.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - A Great Interview with Richard Stape

Have you ever wondered how we can give manufacturing the recognition and attention it deserves? Have you ever wondered if we're doing everything possible to attract the next generation of skilled workers to the manufacturing industry? Manufacturing is a skilled profession and many employers are concerned that people are not receiving the right education to equip them for jobs in manufacturing. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - A "Must See" Interview with Zane Ferry

Ambition, drive and staying ahead of the competition is now more important than ever. We have to do everything it takes but the question is if we are on the right track. I always try to expand my knowledge by asking for other people's perspective and that's what I did in my Skype interview with Zane Ferry. Zane is a Process Improvement Advisor for TPS / Lean Manufacturing, and I wanted to get his personal opinion on some very interesting questions. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - What Can We Learn From Steve Jobs' Philosophy?

Being innovative, creative and passionate - that's how Steve Jobs lived his life and his countless speeches, quotes and business philosophies have made him an inspiration to many. One of his life philosophies was to "stay hungry
and to stay foolish". There are many things we can learn from him but there is something specific that we should always keep in mind. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Are New Leaders Forced to Pretend?

Good leadership is important but are we doing enough to support new leaders to succeed in their job? How can we help them to meet the expectations? Do they know what's expected of them? Do we give new leaders the feeling that it is o.k. to learn what they have to learn or does the pressure of a leadership position force them to pretend? If you want to hear my perspective, please take a look at my most recent video.

Our Next FREE Workshop at the Richmond Hill Library is on November 8, 2011

Lost your Job?  Hate your Job?

Discover what you want and go for it!

Have you been laid off once or multiple times? Are fearful that you may be laid off soon?  Do you feel stuck in your current career? Do you  want to change direction but don’t know how?  Are you ready to be proactive and make a plan for your life?

We can help! We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, we have learned from our own experience that attitude is everything and it is our goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."

~ Helen Keller

When? November 8 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm

Where? Central Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill, L4C 0H5 (west/south corner of Major Mackenzie and Yonge)
Why? This is our contribution to serve the community

Please register @ the Library or via email at karin@karicosolutions.com.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Your Self-Worth is Your Responsibility

Lack of self-worth and self-confidence are two of the biggest overlooked issues in the workplace. Have you have considered that uplifting and sincere comments are the greatest gift you can give to anyone? Unfortunately, we cannot always rely on uplifting comments from others. Most of our beliefs are established during childhood because our parents are our role models and we think that whatever they tell us must be true. As we grow older, various other role models start influencing our life and often our self-worth can become significantly damaged by the time we become adults. If you want to take control and increase your self-worth, take a look at this short video!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Can Emotions Hurt Your Business?

All humans have basic emotional needs. These needs can be expressed as feelings, for example the need to feel accepted, respected and important. While all humans share these needs, each differs in the strength of the need, just as some of us need more water, more food or more sleep. One person may need more freedom and independence, another may need more security and social connections. One may have a greater curiosity and a greater need for understanding, while another is content to accept whatever he has been told. When emotions are relevant, you should be able to recognize them - they can be indicators of both opportunities and dangers - and can either leverage or defuse them. Take a look at my simple way of helping you to visualize it!

Next Complimentary Webinar "Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science"

Please join the following online event in cooperation with the Western Illinois University: 

Webinar 11/03/2011

Illinois Time Zone   10.00 am CDT 

Toronto Time Zone 11.00 am EDT

Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science ~ How to Engage People's Hearts and Minds! 

"Our expectations determine the gap between what we want and what we get."  ~ Karin Lindner

"Please check your brain at the door." No one ever says that to employees that directly, right? Not really, instead management sends that message loud and clear every day through multiple interactions. Why? Because too many people in management positions think employees are mentally lazy and only want to put in time to collect a paycheck and employees, hearing that message, respond accordingly.  

On a positive note, let's say you are one of those who feel your people probably have some good ideas, would like to benefit from those ideas, but are struggling to make it happen. Merely asking them for their ideas doesn't work because there are too many contradictory messages. It requires a change in the environment to one where your employees want to contribute ideas and the management team encourages it. The solution? Create an REO (Ripple Effect Outcome). 

You can reach this event using the following link (you may have to copy and paste the link): 
http://1306139.videoconference.talkfusionlive.com/golive/m/GFgzO6uqeROCYvnk

Simply sign in with your name or a nickname!

The event will take place on  Nov 3, 2011 @ 11:00 am EDT / 10:00 am CDT

Save the date and register today for this complimentary Webinar! 

Email: karin@karicosolutions.com or Bill Jorgeson: WC-Jorgeson@wci.edu or call 1-647-401-5274.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - "IronMind" Your Business!

My visit to Penticton in British Columbia inspired me to do this video. I was a spectator in the Subaru Ironman Canada competition. What's that? It is a triathlon that consists of a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) lake swim, 112 mile (180.2 km) bike ride and 26.2 mile (42.2 km) marathon run - all to be completed within 17 hours to constitute an official finish. More than 3,000 competitors from 37 different countries are registered to compete. According to a survey of past Ironman Canada competitors, the average contestant spends eight months (16 - 23 hours per week) training for the event. What can businesses learn from the Ironman Competition? Take a look at this inspirational interview!

Manufacturing Excellence - What do you think?

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge -Toyota Manufacturing, Now This Is Sexy!

The improvement possibilities in the world of manufacturing are endless and very exciting. Companies such as Toyota are rare and lead by example. They paint the picture of what is possible. Sadly, few companies are capable of following Toyota's management philosophy. A day does not go by where they don't strive to be the best. High technology and automation combined with organization, self-discipline and the human aspect will be the future of successful companies. Are you ready? Take a look!

Complimentary Webinar "Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science"

Please join the following online event in cooperation with the Western Illinois University: 

Webinar 09/30/2011

Illinois Time Zone  12.30 PM CDT 

Toronto Time Zone 1.30 PM EDT

Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science ~ How to Engage People's Hearts and Minds! 

"Our expectations determine the gap between what we want and what we get." ~ Karin Lindner

"Please check your brain at the door." No one ever says that to employees that directly, right? Not really, instead management sends that message loud and clear every day through multiple interactions. Why? Because too many people in management positions think employees are mentally lazy and only want to put in time to collect a paycheck and employees, hearing that message, respond accordingly.  

On a positive note, let's say you are one of those who feel your people probably have some good ideas, would like to benefit from those ideas, but are struggling to make it happen. Merely asking them for their ideas doesn't work because there are too many contradictory messages. It requires a change in the environment to one where your employees want to contribute ideas and the management team encourages it. The solution? Create an REO (Ripple Effect Outcome). 

You can reach this event using the following link:

http://1306139.videoconference.talkfusionlive.com/golive/m/aqQNjJaZD1UxcE5z

Simply sign in with your name or a nickname!

The event will take place on Sep 30th 2011, 01:30:00 PM EDT, 12:30:00 PM CDT

Thank you!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

If your employees don't go the extra mile for you, there is a reason. Business has more to do with emotions than most business people care to admit. So how can we unleash this mysterious inner drive to bring out the best in ourselves and in our people? It's not rocket science. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - The "Iceberg Theory"

It truly is a challenge to bring out the best in people but it's not as difficult as you may think. It requires the ability to keep an open mind and the willingness to approach things in a different way. It may push you out of your comfort zone and it may also push your people out of their comfort zone, but in the end it is truly worth the effort. Take a look at my unique way of painting the picture!

Complimentary Webinar "Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science"

Karin Lindner in cooperation with
Western Illinois University-Quad Cities

"Our expectations determine the gap between what we want and what we get."


~ Karin Lindner

“Please check your brain at the door.” No one ever says that to employees that directly, right?

Not really, instead management sends that message loud and clear every day through multiple interactions.  Why? Because too many people in management positions think employees are mentally lazy and only want to put in time to collect a paycheck and employees, hearing that message, respond accordingly. 

On a positive note, let’s say you are one of those who feel your people probably have some good ideas, would like to benefit from those ideas, but are struggling to make it happen. Merely asking them for their ideas doesn’t work because there are too many contradictory messages. It requires a change in the environment to one where your employees want to contribute ideas and the management team encourages it. The solution? Create an REO (Ripple Effect Outcome). 

If you are interested in learning more, join us for an informative one-hour Webinar where I will provide an overview of my very effective approach to opening the door to the power of Employee Engagement.  I will explain why both sides need to participate in the REO process. I will describe how using the right tools and techniques combined with self-discipline and willpower are the keys to tapping the ideas your employees bring to work every day.  

Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science ~ How to Engage People's Hearts and Minds!

1-Hour Complimentary Webinar, September 30, 2011, 12.30 pm CDT / 1.30 pm EDT

Awareness Objectives:

·       Clarify the True Meaning of Employee Engagement

·       Recognize the Power of Changing Your Perspective

·       Realize “Why” the Heads Don’t Connect with the Hands

·       Identify the Difference between Training and Learning

·       Discover the Secret to having Highly Engaged Employees

·       

Some of Karin’s Publications:

“Excellence is not a Skill. It’s an Attitude” – Manufacturing Automation Magazine, January 5, 2010

“Addressing the Impending Skills Trade Shortage, Manufacturing.net, January 24, 2011

“The Cause of Success” – Manufacturing.net, March 4, 2011”

“Perception is a Funny Thing” – Manufacturing.net, March 18, 2011

Co-Author with Brian Tracy, Ken Blanchard and Stephen Covey in the book “Discover Your Inner Strengths”

Author of the book: “How Can We Make Manufacturing Sexy?” – to be published by the end of 2011 

Save the date and register today for this complimentary Webinar! 

Email: karin@karicosolutions.com or Bill Jorgeson: WC-Jorgeson@wci.edu or call 1-647-401-5274.

Manufacturing Excellence - "The Man in the Glass"

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife 
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass. 


This poem by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr. was first published in 1934 and is still very popular today. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Do You Know the Difference between Bossism and Leadership?

Bossism or Leadership? What a topic! I know many people who like to talk about leadership but their behaviour clearly demonstrates bossism. Some of them know and intend to be that way, others are simply not aware and these are the ones who will get the most value from this video. Bossism is a form of bullying that should no longer be tolerated or accepted. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Do You Know the Art of Paying Respect?

It is a very simple rule. If you don't respect the people around you, they won't respect you. What has happened to common courtesy? If you cannot earn the respect of people by first being respectful yourself, everything that you try to do to reach a common goal will be an uphill battle. Take a look how you can master the art of paying respect.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge ~ Is Happiness Expectation Management?

I think the vast majority of people search for happiness but very few are
truly content and live happily ever after. Enjoy your life because it's the
only one you have! Take a look at my video, filmed in Austria!

Toyota Manufacturing - That is Kaizen at its Best!

“We have to grasp not only the 'Know-How' but also 'Know Why', if we want to master the Toyota Production System.” 
~ Shigeo Shingo 

Last week Heidi and I finally found the time to tour the Toyota Manufacturing Facility in Cambridge, Ontario. What an amazing experience! 


Toyota offers tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 times a day. Their guides are retired school teachers who do a fabulous job representing Toyota. They certainly know what they are talking about and they make the plant tour a mix between inspiration, fascination, information and fun. It was exciting and my heart started to pound a little bit faster.


The tour takes about an hour long and along the way, the guided, motorized trams take you through the plant ensuring the highest possible safety standards. Electronic earphones ensure that you don't miss a word even when the environment gets a littler bit louder.


The positive energy I felt in this plant is very difficult to describe. Toyota firmly believes in manufacturing where the product is sold. People are working hard but they seem to have a lot of fun at the same time. They seem to have figured it out!


When did we ever start to think that work has to be serious and that there couldn't be any kind of fun? What a ridiculous thought when we want to see increased productivity.


Most of you have heard of or know Lean Manufacturing. Lean is a production practice and management philosophy derived mostly from the Toyota Production System, also called TPS.


TPS is Toyota's DNA and is built on 2 pillars - Kaizen, which is Japanese for continuous improvement and Respect for People.


The difference between Toyota and other companies when it comes to Kaizen is that it is Toyota's intent to implement as many ideas as possible. Their philosophy is that nobody knows better what to improve than the people who actually do the job. That's Kaizen at its very best!


Toyota doesn't just talk job security, they actually walk the talk. During the past recession they did not have any layoffs even though they were faced with the same challenges as everyone else. Their approach is different. Instead of laying off people, they used the downtime to send their people off to do some community work. How inspiring is that?


The way how this company is organized, and the self-displine, creativity, innovation and drive that Toyota employees live on a daily basis gives us hope for a better tomorrow. They certainly paint a picture of how it could be. 


The cafeteria at Toyota offers theme days, such as Sushi day, Pizza day, etc., and teamwork seems to be a priority wherever you look. As an example, to promote team spirit they have large displays on the wall to promote the "Catch of the Week". This initiative promotes continuous improvement and an awareness of doing things better by catching mistakes. If a team member catches a mistake, the whole team gets rewarded. 


You can easily detect who works in what department based on the colour of their hard hats. For example, people with orange hard hats work in the maintenance department.


Every single worker has the authority to stop the line by pulling a string. Depending on the area or a specific problem a different song starts to play. Toyota employees not only feel responsible, they are allowed to use their ability to respond.


To my question on how people are held accountable to the cleanliness in the plant, the guide just looked somehow surprised at me and said, "We have a 5 day orientation program and there is not other option. If you want to work for Toyota, that's how it is. If you can't live and follow certain standards, then this is not the place to work for you." 


Toyota employees don't accept the status quo. They have standards but they continuously look for better ways of doing things and improving these standards.


It is certainly a highly automated facility and it is fascinating and scary at the same time to watch various robots doing high precision work. This should really make us think. Every kind of work we do that can be replaced by a robot should demonstrate the necessity of continuous learning, self-development and adaptability. 

If you ever have the opportunity to take one of these tours, please do so and I assure you that you will feel the same excitement as we did, and your heart will start pounding a little bit faster as well. 

How Do You Manage Work Life Balance?

While visiting my home country Austria I started to think about work-life balance. If you need a short break during your stressful workday, take a look at my video and join me on my walk through Graz.