Why Problem-Solving Is Continuous Improvement: The Chuck It Down Podcast Episode 3
Introducing Our New Podcast Series
Chuck Carlton (President of Simplified Lean Solutions) and I recently started the Chuck It Down Podcast, a weekly series that shares the kinds of conversations we were already having about Lean, leadership, and solving real problems. We bring different experiences and perspectives to those conversations, but we share the same philosophy about developing people and making continuous improvement practical.
Although this is our third episode, it is the first one I am sharing on here because I believe it provides a fitting introduction (Also, I’m new at podcasting and I’m finally learning how to edit. 😂).
Comic-book-style artwork for The Chuck It Down Podcast, featuring illustrated portraits of hosts Chuck Carlton and James Bussell speaking into microphones against an orange-and-black background.
Episode Three Overview
In this episode, we discuss why problem-solving and Kaizen are one in the same. Chuck explains how his Chuck It Down methodology grew from years of experience with PDCA, DMAIC, Shainin, and structured problem-solving.
I connect that discussion with my experience using A3 problem-solving and lessons from my career. Drawing on my background as a “recovering” lawyer, I explain why each potential cause should be treated like evidence: it must stand up to examination before we accept it as the true root cause. I also share how I have incorporated parts of Chuck’s approach into rapid improvement events.
Together, we discuss practical tools including fishbone diagrams, the 3x5 Whys, and Pareto analysis—and how teams can use them to solve the right problem.