Gemba Tales is now three months old (my first "real" post was made on December 28, 2009). So, I thought it appropriate to engage in a little reflection or hansei. But not too much, mind you. I don't want to over-analyze anything when my blog is still so young and immature. I know that it takes much more than 90 days to build content and community. Slow and steady, as they say.
Lessons Learned
Here are some of my lessons learned, in no particular order:
- Blogging ain't easy. Sure anyone can develop a site (I opted for some professional help), but you still have to come up with posts that matter, that bring value...on a routine basis. Sometimes I think I add value and sometimes, not so much. And sometimes there are technical glitches, like when a broadcasting "plugin" generated multiple (like 9) emails to subscribers for the same post. That seems to be under control now. I am thankful that the Gemba Tales email subscribers are such an understanding bunch.
- I actually LIKE blogging. My twice weekly posting frequency almost pushes me over the edge (like everyone else I burn the candle at both ends way too much), but I actually like blogging. Frankly, I wish I could do more. I enjoy the interaction (there could be more - hint, hint!) and I enjoy the intellectual challenge to come up with some fairly cogent posts that add value for the members of the community. It makes me think and it makes me consider what others might benefit from as they progress in their lean implementation journey and as they seek to develop their own personal lean competency.
- Spammers are a pox on humanity. I am constantly bombarded with comments that are at best stupid and at worst unprintable from folks who want to advertise their products or "services." I guess spam is one of the hazards of blogging...
- The lean community is awesome. Lean folks, by and large, live the principles of humility and respect for the individual...and then they go beyond. They share, they mentor and they encourage. I have benefited from the help of a number of first class people within the blogosphere. At the risk of omitting someone, here's a list of some very cool folks:
- Jamie Flinchbaugh - Jamie shared some advice on how to get started, made some comments on my early posts and included Gemba Tales in his excellent Lean Blog Aggregator.
- Larry Loucka - Larry provided needed encouragement, advice and comments.
- Ron Pereira - Ron was absolutely gracious. He profiled Gemba Tales on his LSS Academy blog and then invited me to guest post. Thanks, Ron.
- John Hunter - John writes some real profound stuff on his Curious Cat Management Improvement Blog. It was an honor when he included me in several of his "Management Improvement Carnivals."
- Brian Buck - Comments, link and inclusion in his "Roundup."
- Evan Durant - Comments, link and some advice to a total Twitter novice.
- Tim McMahon - Comments and inclusion in his monthly "Roundup."
Popular Posts
Some of my posts seemed to generate a fair amount of interest and others, well...I tried. Here's a short list of some of the most popular posts among the 28 thus far.
- Leader Standard Work Should Be...Work!
- Plan Vs. Actual - The Swiss Army Knife of Charts
- Ready! Fire! Aim!…Maybe, We Should Have REALLY Simulated First!?
- Sensei Facilitation - Scary or human?
- The Truth Will Set You Free!
Looking Forward - An Invitation
I definitely want this blog to add value, so I invite you to either comment on this particular post or email me directly (see the green question mark on the sidebar) and let me know what lean subjects are most meaningful for you. I promise that I will try to cover those areas in future posts or, if you desire, via email.
Thanks for the past 90 days!
Best regards,
Mark R. Hamel