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Explore every episode of the podcast Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Dive into the complete episode list for Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
From Unconscious Incompetence to Consciously Competent12 Nov 202500:14:57

Sometimes the biggest risks in your business aren’t obvious. They’re hidden in the gaps between teams. Work gets done, but critical information gets lost, compliance slips, and frustration builds.

In this episode, Damion Albinson and Susannah Clarke reveal how understanding the internal voice of the customer transforms how teams collaborate. Using real examples from a complex logistics environment, Damion shows how moving from “I didn’t know you needed that” to consciously understanding your role in the wider process can make a real difference.

If you want practical insight into bridging the hidden gaps in your processes and building a team that’s consciously competent, this episode is a must-listen.


 More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Process Confirmation: Catching Drift Before It Becomes a Gap29 Oct 202500:14:28

Even the best-designed processes can drift over time, but Process Confirmation stops small deviations from becoming major gaps.

In this episode, PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson explains why Process Confirmation isn’t about auditing but understanding how work really happens. He explores how this approach helps leaders stay connected to operational reality, using the insights to strengthen performance and build capability at every level.

From frontline operators to leaders managing improvement systems, Damion shares practical examples of how you can use Process Confirmation to uncover variation, validate standards, and drive Continuous Improvement in a structured, positive way.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


5 Leadership Pitfalls11 Jun 202500:14:35

On the surface, everything seems aligned. But improvement just won’t stick. Why? 

Join PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight as he unpacks five leadership behaviours that quietly derail progress. From staying too far from the frontline to clinging to outdated thinking, these pitfalls are easy to miss but hard to work around. 

If you’ve ever struggled to get traction, build momentum or gain support for your improvement work, this conversation will help you see what might really be going on. 


More resources you may find helpful:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


The Purpose of Process28 May 202500:15:08

It’s a deceptively simple question: What is the purpose of this process? 

An unclear process purpose is one of the most overlooked causes of waste, misaligned priorities, poor decisions, and missed improvement opportunities. Yet too often, teams dive into complex redesign without first agreeing on why the process exists at all. 

Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson as he shows how stepping back to define process purpose clearly and collaboratively can uncover hidden value, prevent confusion, and drive more effective improvement efforts. Expect practical insights, thoughtful examples, and a reminder that common sense isn’t always common practice. 


More resources you may find helpful:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


The Challenges of Defining Value Add14 May 202500:11:15

It’s simple: identify what’s valuable and do more of it. 

But in practice, defining what truly adds value and what doesn’t, can be far from straightforward. 

PMI Consultant Damion Albinson explores why defining “value add” is one of the trickiest yet most essential concepts in improvement. From legislative red tape to emotional resistance, he shares how well-intentioned tasks can cloud our view of what's really worth doing. 

Hear how to distinguish truly necessary work from disguised waste, why being comfortable with calling things "non-value add" reveals opportunity for real transformation, and how to navigate the emotional terrain of challenging long-held habits. 


More resources you may find helpful:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Design of Experiments: How to Read Between the Lines30 Apr 202500:14:30

The core principle of DoE is elegantly simple: “how does this thing affect that thing?” 

PMI Consultant Niall Coney explores the value of experimental design and regression analysis: clear thinking, informed decisions, and measurable impact. Whether you’re working on improvement in manufacturing or marketing, operations or organisational change, don’t let the fear of complex statistical calculations hold you back.  

It’s about asking better questions and digesting the answers.


More resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Decode Ambiguity with Operational Definitions16 Apr 202500:11:18

We’re on the same page…  Or are we?

In improvement work, misaligned understanding around simple terms like ‘on time’ or ‘complete’ can derail progress before it begins. But PMI Consultant Damion Albinson explains how you can cut through the noise with clear operational definitions.

Discover how to turn vague expectations into measurable clarity, avoid costly misunderstandings, and build trust with both customers and colleagues. The difference between rework and results starts with shared understanding.


More resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Simplifying Sampling Strategies 02 Apr 202500:13:53

Does data collection feel like a tedious, time-consuming hurdle in your improvement projects? It doesn’t have to be.

Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, for a 15-minute masterclass in smarter data collection that delivers reliable insights without wasting time or resources. Learn how to choose the right sampling strategy, ensure accuracy with the right measurement systems, and leverage data simulation effectively.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


How to Onboard an Improvement Team Effectively19 Mar 202500:11:13

Your improvement team is assembled, the project is underway, but something’s off. Misalignment keeps surfacing, engagement is lacking, and stalled progress feels inevitable.

Join PMI Consultant and improvement project expert Mark Allison, as he shares the essential steps for setting your team up for success, with practical techniques to build clarity, confidence, and collaboration from day one. Take the time to consider your onboarding process and ensure that your next project kicks off with a team that’s engaged, motivated, and ready to contribute.


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More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Change or Chance? Understanding Hypothesis Testing05 Mar 202500:14:41

When you spot a difference in your data, is it because something has genuinely changed, or is it just chance?

Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, as he demystifies hypothesis testing: one of the most misunderstood tools in improvement. From p-values to t-tests, Niall breaks it down in practical terms, showing how the right statistical ‘screwdriver’ can give you the confidence to act on your data. 

Plus, a relatable lesson in learning to trust the numbers, even when they don’t tell you what you want to hear! Listen now and take the guesswork out of improvement.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


The Value of Capability Analysis 19 Feb 202500:12:59

If you’re making decisions based on assumptions, this episode could change everything.

Join PMI Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh for a real-world case study where Capability Analysis exposed a costly blind spot for an unsuspecting organisation. As he shares valuable lessons learned from the experience, discover why process stability is just the beginning, how to avoid misleading conclusions, and the crucial role of strong supplier relationships for success.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Identifying The Right People For Your Team05 Feb 202500:13:01

Struggling with team dynamics? When it comes to building a successful improvement team, skills matter, but the right people are everything.

Join PMI Consultant and improvement project expert Mark Allison as he shares his proven approach to assembling a team that delivers. He explains why passion and intrinsic motivation are more important than expertise, and why at least half your team should consist of process operators.

This episode could be the game-changer you need for success in your next improvement project.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Implement, Standardise, Review15 Oct 202500:17:38

You’ve delivered the project. The results are in. But six months later… the old ways of working have crept back in. So how do you stop progress from slipping away? 

Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he shares how to close the Improvement Cycle with confidence, turning delivery into lasting impact. Learn how thoughtful implementation, genuine stakeholder engagement, and building team capability can help change take root and grow.

If sustaining improvement feels like the toughest part, this episode will show how to make success stick and build momentum for what comes next.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Understanding Capability in Process Performance22 Jan 202500:13:39

How confident are you that the processes you rely on can delight your customers? 

Capability studies will provide the answer by revealing whether your processes are delivering what your customers truly want or simply what they’re willing to tolerate. Join PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight as he shares the principles, practices, and real-world insights that will empower your teams to move beyond "good enough" and consistently deliver excellence.

More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


How Are Histograms Different to Bar Charts?08 Jan 202500:09:55

The patterns in your data can hold the key to better business decisions.

Histograms go beyond simple bar charts, offering a clear view of data distribution to uncover trends, probabilities, and hidden opportunities in your processes. Join PMI Director Consultant, Warren Knight, as he shares real-world examples and actionable tips to help you use histograms to uncover issues, enhance performance and deliver greater value to your customers. Tune in and discover the insights you’ve missed.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


SPC Charts: Driving Sustainable Performance Gains25 Dec 202400:14:36

Stop chasing symptoms and start driving sustainable performance gains.

PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight shares how SPC Charts can unlock powerful insights into any metric, whether it’s sales conversion rates, recruitment timelines, or customer response times. This versatile tool goes beyond short-term results, revealing long-term trends that help distinguish normal variation from real performance issues.

With Warren’s personal insights, practical tips, and real-world examples, this conversation showcases how understanding variation leads to smarter decisions, prevents reactive management, and drives meaningful process improvements.


More resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Reporting and Reviewing Performance 11 Dec 202400:12:01

Are sales up this month? Have we produced more product this week than last week? Did we exceed our KPIs? Understanding how we’re performing against targets is a fundamental measure and is often reported using visual signals – green for ‘we’re doing great’, red for ‘we have a problem’.

But what this system doesn’t tell us is how our performance is varying over time. Join PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight, as he talks about common cause variation, and how responding to every signal can lead to increased inconsistency and frustration in your processes.


More resources on this topic:

More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Why Quality, Why Today?27 Nov 202400:12:48

Your Quality Improvement activity isn’t delivering the value you want.

Business is fast-paced and complex, but your success can’t be sustained if you’re not focusing on what’s important. PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly invites you to rethink your approach to Quality with insights from over four decades of industry transformation.

We explore how organisations have moved from a product-centric to a customer-first mindset, and why Continuous Improvement and employee engagement are key to delivering real value. Plus, you’ll hear why sustainability and ethics have a growing role of in shaping Quality strategies, and how digital tools are enabling a shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive, real-time solutions.

Ensure that your Quality efforts are focused on what genuinely drives impact with these valuable perspectives that could change the way you approach Quality.


More resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Quality Driven Agile13 Nov 202400:12:06

Quality and Agile thrive together by putting your customer at the centre of what you do.

Join PMI Senior Consultant Anthony Richardson as he reveals how Agile tools like Empathy Maps, User Stories, and Retrospectives enhance both flexibility and customer satisfaction, debunking the myth that Agile improvement sacrifices quality for speed.

With insights into the crucial role of the Product Owner and the power of Continuous Improvement, this episode will inspire you to adopt strategies that elevate your business practices, keeping Quality front and centre.

More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Agile Visual Management 30 Oct 202400:15:18

What’s stopping you from visualising your workflow?

Join us as we delve into Agile Visual Management, sharing how integrating Agile principles with visual management techniques can help you tackle backlogs and maintain a steady workflow while boosting team morale. PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland explains how tools like Kanban boards can simplify complex projects, providing clarity on tasks that are in progress, stuck, or completed. Learn to connect user stories to value, prioritise effectively, and quickly clear bottlenecks.

Expand your Agile knowledge and elevate your project delivery with this must-listen episode!

More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Agile Meets Lean Six Sigma: A Case Study16 Oct 202400:14:48

What would happen if you integrated Agile into your improvement activity? In this episode, we explore how Lean Six Sigma and Agile methodologies work together.

PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland shares a case study about an internal development team, initially hesitant to adopt Agile practices. By integrating Lean Six Sigma principles and embedding developers within the improvement team, they fostered collaboration and developed a visual management interface using low-code tools. This approach improved efficiency in a logistics operation and avoided the cost of a new ERP system.

Tune in to discover how combining Agile and Lean Six Sigma can enhance collaboration and drive project success in your business.

More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


What Is Agile Improvement?02 Oct 202400:14:17

Do you ever wonder how some organisations adapt to change so effortlessly?

PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland describes how Agile methodologies, rooted in the Agile Manifesto, combine with Lean principles to drive sustainable, customer-focused improvements. Tune in to hear why Agile Improvement isn’t a trend, but a powerful approach that can help organisations just like yours implement solutions quickly and effectively, using PDSA to refine and sustain progress, and thrive in dynamic environments.

More resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


How To Get The Best Out Of Your Improvement Team18 Sep 202400:11:13

Think you already know how to unlock a team’s potential?

Then you need to join Mark Allison; PMI Senior Consultant and experienced improvement team leader, for an engaging exploration that will reveal how you can truly optimise the performance of your team.  Learn more about the delicate art of building strong relationships, how to uncover hidden strengths, and tips for navigating resistance to change, as Mark shares valuable insights that are the difference between a good team and a great team.  

More resources that you may find interesting:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Is/Is Not: The Overlooked Problem Solving Tool01 Oct 202500:15:18

What exactly is the problem? And what isn’t? It sounds simple, but getting clarity here can be the difference between chasing assumptions and finding the real root cause. 

Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson in the studio with Susannah Clarke as they discuss Is/Is Not, a beautifully simple tool often underused in problem solving. With a practical example involving soggy pizzas, Stuart shows how moving beyond scoping questions can generate powerful clues, test theories, and steer you toward evidence-based solutions. 


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


What Gets In The Way Of Adopting SPC?04 Sep 202400:13:41

Your process data today is different from yesterday.  But is an investigation worthy of your time?

As an Improvement Practitioner, you already know that understanding variation is crucial and that Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts offer profound insights into process stability and performance – so what gets in the way of adopting SPC across your wider organisation?

Whether you're facing resistance from teams, struggling with data overload, or unsure where to start, PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh tackles the real-world roadblocks you’re experiencing. Dennis shares practical strategies to ensure SPC adoption takes root and drives meaningful, lasting change throughout your organisation.


Related resources:

 

More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Applying Lean In Service21 Aug 202400:12:56

“Does Lean apply to me?  It’s fine for manufacturing, but I work in the service industry.”

Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, as he challenges widespread misconceptions about Lean practices, exploring the origins and core principles, and highlighting their broader applicability. By emphasising the critical importance of understanding the "why" behind these tools, he offers compelling, real-world examples of their successful use in service contexts.

Packed with thought-provoking insights and actionable book recommendations, this is an unmissable episode for service industry professionals looking to enhance their Lean expertise.  

Related resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Communicating Results with Impact 07 Aug 202400:08:58

The way you present your project achievements could be the difference between driving impactful change and losing your audience entirely.

Delve into the critical art of effectively communicating results with PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh. Drawing from his extensive experience and lessons learned, he offers practical advice on structuring presentations for maximum impact. Gain valuable insights on customising language to resonate with your audience and aligning your message with key organisational metrics.

Related resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Use X Matrix to Determine the Vital Priorities24 Jul 202400:14:48

How do you deploy a strategy effectively and ensure it makes the impact that will elevate your organisation?

In the final episode of our strategy-focused mini-series, PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly shares how you can transform your organisation's strategy into a clear, actionable roadmap that everyone can follow using the X matrix.  This powerful visual management tool forms part of the Hoshin Kanri approach and plays a critical role in strategic alignment, communication, and measurement, ensuring your strategy not only reaches its full potential but drives outstanding results across the organisation.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


A Model for Improvement at Any Level22 Jul 202400:10:57

How will you know that your reinvigorated strategy is an improvement?  Join PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly in the next episode of our strategy-focused mini-series as he delves into the art of defining clear, actionable objectives. 

Discover how to harness the power of the 3 Question Model from Nolan and Provost to sharpen your strategy, as Des guides you through the essential questions: ‘What are we trying to accomplish?’, ‘How will we know that change is an improvement?’, and ‘What changes can we make that will result in improvement?’.  Tune in to unlock the secrets to crafting a strategy that delivers real results.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Organise and Sequence Improvement Ideas Using AD and ID20 Jul 202400:12:22

Developing a successful strategy requires the transformation of abstract ideas into actionable plans, and this is where the Affinity Diagram and the Interrelationship Diagraph are invaluable.

Join us for the sixth episode of our strategy-focused mini-series as we move on to top tools for establishing the end goals and objectives.  PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly reveals how AD and ID can foster consensus among senior leadership teams and pinpoint key drivers through converting qualitative insights into structured, strategic objectives.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Use Force-Field to Understand the Perspectives, Actions and Consequences of Change18 Jul 202400:08:49

Are you aware of the invisible forces shaping the success or failure of your organisation's strategic goals?

PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly delves into the transformative power of the Force Field Analysis tool as our strategy-focused mini-series continues.  The conversation illuminates how this tool can uncover the driving and hindering forces that can significantly impact your organisation’s objectives. Highlighting the critical role of balanced group discussions and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, Des offers valuable insights into leveraging Force Field Analysis for strategic advantage.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Evaluate your strategic position with SWOT16 Jul 202400:10:33

The business landscape can make or break your strategy.  So you need to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing your organisation in order to make informed decisions, identify potential risks, and leverage your competitive advantages.

In the fourth episode of our strategy-focused mini-series, PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly continues his exploration of top tools for understanding the world in which we operate, showcasing SWOT Analysis as a powerful tool for evaluating your strategic position.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Understand External Influences using PESTEL14 Jul 202400:11:34

Understanding the macro environment is crucial for effective strategic decision-making, and PESTEL is a tool for helping you do this.

Join us for the next episode in our strategy-focused mini-series as PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly discusses this comprehensive framework for analysing changes to the status quo, underscoring the necessity of using unbiased data to guide strategic choices.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Competitive Analysis Through Porter's 5 Forces12 Jul 202400:12:31

Are you proactive in identifying the forces that influence your business environment?

By understanding and leveraging these forces, your organisation can navigate competitive landscapes more effectively and make informed strategic decisions that drive success.  Join PMI Partner Consultant Des Kelly as our strategy-focused mini-series continues with an exploration of Porter’s 5 Forces. Des explores how integrating Porter’s 5 Forces with other strategic tools will enhance the robustness of your strategic planning.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Roles in Agile and Lean Six Sigma03 Sep 202500:13:09

Different approaches, same goal: better performance. That’s why Agile and Lean Six Sigma work together; aligning people, roles, and responsibilities to get the best out of every team.

Join Anthony Richardson in conversation with Susannah Clarke as they reveal how Lean Six Sigma roles like Green Belts, Black Belts, and Sponsors align with Agile roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers.

Learn when and how these roles intersect, why it matters for delivering improvements, and how clear role alignment can make your projects faster, smarter, and more effective.


More resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Strategy and the Responsibilities of the Leadership Team10 Jul 202400:10:58

How do you ensure your business strategy is well-crafted and adaptable to the ever-evolving business landscape?

In the first of a strategy-focused mini-series that will explore specific strategic tools and techniques, Des Kelly, PMI Partner Consultant, breaks down the three pivotal phases of strategy that every Leadership team needs to master: strategic analysis, strategic choice, and strategy implementation.

Are you ready to transform your strategy?  PMI’s skilled consultants can help you turn your Goals into Results, assisting you at every stage from conception through to implementation.  Learn more at https://pmi.co.uk/consultancy/#strategy 

More resources to help you develop a strategy that delivers results:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Adapting VoC to Establish Voice of the Business26 Jun 202400:11:53

Have you ever questioned if your work is truly aligned with your customer's needs?

Drawing on a coaching experience where a project team faced this very challenge, PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland underscores the importance of defining value from the customer's perspective and differentiating it from the business's voice.  Tune in for insights on identifying barriers and setting meaningful objectives for sustainable success.

Related resources:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Psychology Essentials That Leaders Need to Know12 Jun 202400:14:55

Unlock the power of intrinsic motivation to engage your team in change.

Join PMI Director Consultant and experienced Executive Coach Warren Knight as he shares valuable insights into the psychology of change. You’ll discover practical tips for empowering your team to not only accept but wholeheartedly embrace change to achieve organisational goals.

More resources you may find useful:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Common Control Chart Fallacies29 May 202400:14:52

Navigate the complexities of Control Charts with ease, as we clear up some common misconceptions. 

Drawing from years of experience reviewing, coaching, assessing, and approving projects, PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh reveals the most frequent mistakes he encounters so that you can recognise and avoid them in your own work. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out with control charts, this essential listen will enable you to confidently apply this key improvement tool to enhance your business processes.

More resources you may find useful:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Evolving to Control Charts15 May 202400:15:27

Is your data telling the right story?  The shift from simple data tables to Control Charts is more than a mere change in data representation; it's a transformative step towards data-driven decision-making.  This progression, PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh explains, stems from a growing awareness of variation and its impact on our processes.

Join us for a powerful learning opportunity, as we share examples from clients around the world who have navigated the discomfort of evolving to Control Charts, and the profound insights they have revealed into their business performance.

Here are some more resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Control Charts: Walter Shewhart's Gift to Quality01 May 202400:15:15

Beyond its value as a statistical tool, the Control Chart is a symbol of excellence in operational efficiency and quality management that has shaped the world of Continuous Improvement.

As we celebrate 100 years of Control Charts, PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh explores the history of Shewhart’s enduring legacy and gift to quality. 

Here are some more resources that you may find interesting:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


How Effective Leaders Support a Learning Organisation17 Apr 202400:13:01

Effective leaders recognise that their organisation's ability to improve is fundamentally based upon its ability to learn. 

In this thought-provoking episode of Uncommon Sense, we delve into the transformative role leaders play in empowering teams to apply knowledge consciously, as PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight explains the changes you’ll need to make to transform learning from conceptual theory to embedded knowledge.

Here are some more resources on this topic:


More from PMI:


Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Process Operators: Driving Continuous Improvement02 Apr 202400:12:20

Process Operators are not just cogs in the machine.  They’re the heartbeat of an organisation; executing core processes and directly influencing the value delivered to customers.   Their work is vital, and as such, it demands a focus on standardisation, maintenance, and Continuous Improvement. 

Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he discusses the role of the Process Operator, including why it’s crucial that they’re engaged in standardisation and improvement activities, and the challenges of operators preferring to do things their own way.

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Why Leaders Need to Understand Variation20 Mar 202400:12:21

Variation represents chaos and unpredictability.  So in our business systems, which require consistency and repeatability to enable improvement, the concept of variation and its impact on performance is crucial for our Leaders to grasp.

Packed with eye-opening analogies, Director Consultant Warren Knight explains the complexities of variation, the significance of control charts and the long-term view, and why tampering with the system without understanding the root causes of variation is a no-go.

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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Mastering Process Management06 Mar 202400:10:15

Managing processes is as vital as managing people for keeping the gears of performance well-oiled and aligned with organisational goals. 

Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he peels back the layers of effective process management and explores the iterative cycle of Standardise, Maintain, and Improve, and how mastering this triad can elevate your entire operation.

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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


FMEA Beyond Manufacturing20 Aug 202500:18:39

It’s a classic tool.  But its reach is far wider than you might think.

Join PMI Consultant Des Kelly as he explains what Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) really is, how the 2019 global standard changed the game, and why Process FMEA now belongs in hospitals, call centres, control rooms and corporate functions as much as on the shop floor.

If you run, design, or depend on any process (yes, that means you!), you’ll see how FMEA can strengthen performance where it matters most, and start questioning why you ever left risk management to chance.


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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Systems Thinking From a Leadership Perspective21 Feb 202400:14:09

Imagine your organisation as an orchestra, where each section must play in harmony to create a beautiful symphony. This is the crux of Systems Thinking in leadership.

Packed with thought-provoking examples and practical tips, this unmissable episode with PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight highlights the transformative potential of a Systems Thinking approach from your leadership team.

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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Navigating Process Management Roles07 Feb 202400:13:14

Successful process management requires a shift in mindset where everyone is empowered to think of their organisation as a collection of interconnected processes rather than isolated departments or functions.  By embracing this process thinking approach and clearly defining process management roles, you can achieve greater efficiency, better customer satisfaction, and ultimately, improved performance.

Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he talks about the concept of process thinking and the responsibilities of System Owners, Process Owners, Process Managers, and Process Operators in delivering improvement.  Remember, the journey to excellence is continuous and starts with a single step – adopting a process-oriented mindset.

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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


The Power of Retrospectives24 Jan 202400:12:17

We’re seeing a growing recognition of the power of reflection in today’s fast-paced world, where the delivery of improved performance through every project is more crucial than ever. 

Join PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland for a timely reminder of the power of Retrospectives in helping Lean Six Sigma improvement teams overcome project challenges earlier and achieve better results.

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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


Working Successfully With Your Sponsor10 Jan 202400:13:22

Whatever kind of change project you're working on, a good relationship with your sponsor is essential, but it isn’t necessarily easy.

PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland is an expert on the practical aspects of working with project sponsors, so join us for an episode packed with insider tips on how to enable your sponsor to confidently address challenges and prioritise the needs of your project.

Are you looking for more support on working successfully with your sponsor?  Check out these additional resources:

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Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. 


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