In this third book of the Shingo Model series, Continuous Improvement focuses on five of the Shingo Guiding Principles: seek perfection, embrace scientific thinking, focus on process, assure quality at the source, and improve flow and pull. Each chapter in Continuous Improvement is designed to enhance your comprehension of one or more aspects of the Continuous Improvement dimension of the Shingo Model and to increase your understanding of how the dimension interrelates with and complements the other principles in the Shingo Model. Ultimately, this explanation grounds the technical science of continuous improvement with a powerful social science that focuses on people development. It is this combination that creates the opportunity for improvement to be truly continuous. Because tacit learning is critical to deepening your continuous improvement knowledge, "Reader Challenges" are included throughout the text to encourage you to apply what you have read within the context of your own organization. This hands-on practice is necessary to understand the interrelatedness of principles, systems, and tools that are inherent in the Shingo Model. The Shingo Institute recognizes that "the transformation from traditional philosophy and practices to organizational excellence does not occur without the courage, creativity, and persistence of everyone in the organization-from executives to managers to team members on the frontline."

Inspiration to Live Your MAGIC contains 75 biographical introductions that capture the essence of each persons life in about 400 words. Young people can find a role model and do more research and reading. Everyone, with five minutes to read, can find inspiration and perspective. Aspiring public speakers can find ready made life stories to illustrate their speeches. Every person in this collection is an inspiration to others, through their response to challenges (and some of them faced incredible challenges), by their commitment to serving humanity and their fidelity to their values. A book of inspiration for everyone. Praise for Inspiration to Live Your MAGIC This book is filled with real life stories of courage, leadership, wisdom and love. A must read for all young people. Our world is a better place because of the choices each of these people made in their life journey. Jay Ball, President & CEO Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta Larry Anderson's own story is compelling and inspiring enough, never mind the stories contained in Inspiration to Live Your MAGIC . From young people with a belief that child labour is wrong, to world class philosophers, Larry Anderson captures the spirit and essence of inspiration. In this volume you will find stories of children, women and men who followed their dreams. These inspired individuals changed their communities, their nation and the world. From politics, diplomacy, entertainment, the arts and science, their stories demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit. From the slums of Calcutta, to the halls of Government, the Courts and the glitz of Las Vegas, these individual stories are victories of faith over fear. A must read for all, this book is truly inspiring. Robert Philp Provincial Court Judge Edmonton, Alberta, Canada These seventy-five biographies showcase people from all age groups, backgrounds and cultures. What they share is a passion and commitment to make their dreams come true and to make a difference for others in the process. Read Inspiration to Live Your MAGIC , you will be inspired. Bill Trainor, Retired Teacher I love the way "Inspiration to Live Your MAGIC is written. It captures your attention and is easy to read and understand. I not only learned but it evoked a yearning inside me to live my own magic. Thank you. Jeannie Lungard, Teacher, Psychologist

Peculiar Work gathers selected articles and essays written by Larry Anderson over more than thirty years. Anderson is also the author of Benton MacKaye: Conservationist, Planner, and Creator of the Appalachian Trail (2002), the definitive biography of the visionary American environmentalist best known for his conception of the Appalachian Trail and as a co-founder of The Wilderness Society. In addition to articles about aspects of MacKaye's life and career, this collection includes writing about land conservation, wilderness, hiking, community activism, and small-town politics. In a direct, clear style, informed by years of experience and research, Anderson provides a distinctive perspective on the complex connections linking landscape, history, and civic responsibility.

Planner and originator of the Appalachian Trail and a cofounder of the Wilderness Society, Benton MacKaye (1879-1975) was a pioneer in linking the concepts of preservation, recreation, and regional planning. This pathbreaking biography provides the first complete portrait of this significant and unique figure in American environmental, intellectual, and cultural history.

"A superb and much-anticipated biography of Benton MacKaye. Rich in detail (a sign of Anderson's diligent research) and smart in its analysis (an indication of his supple intellect), the book brings the often-quirky MacKaye to life... A remarkable achievement." -- Journal of Forestry

"A first-rate biography of a unique American thinker." -- Journal of American History

"Anderson does an impressive job of bringing an enigmatic figure into sharper focus and shedding light on the long list of important contributions MacKaye made to the American environmental movement... A readable, engrossing biography." -- Appalachia

"Anderson's lucid, well-researched, and sensitive story provides an illuminating on-the-ground snapshot of the inner workings of the intellectual networks, social relationships, governmental and business institutions, particular projects, and downright good and bad luck that constitute the fabric of historical movements such as conservation and regional planning." -- Environmental History

"This first detailed biography of MacKaye should become the standard account of his life and work." -- APA Journal

Larry Anderson is a freelance writer and independent scholar.

Top Secret Tips Unveiled Within!
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