The Systems Thinker Show "Engineering Smarter Operations, One Episode at a Time"

Karass Innovations Group
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Unlock the power of systems thinking and revolutionize how you approach operations with The Systems Thinker Show. Each episode dives deep into the principles, tools, and strategies that empower professionals to design, optimize, and lead smarter, more efficient processes across industries. Whether you’re an engineer, manager, or curious problem-solver, this show delivers insights you can apply immediately—from lean thinking and process mapping to digital transformation and organizational dynamics. Join us as we decode complexity, break down silos, and engineer smarter operations.

  1. 1D AGO · BONUS

    以攻心與系統重塑團隊文化 S6E50

    從「指令」到「承諾」：為何信任才是製造業轉型中被遺忘的隱性資產？在當今追求極致效率的產業環境中，許多領導者正面臨一個令人沮喪的悖論：儘管導入了最精密的 KPI 考核、數位化的監控系統與嚴格的管理標準，生產現場的離職率依然居高不下，安全事故頻傳，且員工對變革表現出強烈的冷漠。這種傳統的「指令與控制」（Command-and-Control）模式正遭遇前所未有的瓶頸。作為一名組織心理學家，我常觀察到這類組織的共同特徵——根據一個中型製造業的轉型案例顯示，其一線員工對領導層的信任度曾低於 50%，管理層被形容為「交易型」（Transactional），意即：我付錢，你工作，除此之外別無關聯。要翻轉這種局面，關鍵不在於優化設備運算，而是在於重拾羅伯·葛林（Robert Greene）在《權力 48 法則》中揭示的核心智慧：爭取他人的心與腦（Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others）。 Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Books: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW; Culture by Design, Power by Discipline- Volume 1: https://a.co/d/7v5fy4f; Culture by Design, Power by Discipline- Volume 2: https://a.co/d/40yArAb  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    19 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Turn Compliance Into Commitment With Systems S6E50

    The Trust Multiplier: Why Leading 'Hearts and Minds' is the Ultimate Operational HackThe Compliance TrapMost corporate environments are haunted by the "Compliance Trap." It is a sterile state where management treats leadership as a transaction, focusing strictly on spreadsheets and rigid KPIs while employee trust remains stagnant. In this environment, people do exactly what is required to keep their jobs—and not a single ounce more.To shatter this ceiling, strategic leaders must pivot to Robert Greene’s Law 43: Work on the hearts and minds of others. True operational excellence is not a technical problem; it is an emotional one. Emotional buy-in is the primary multiplier for success, serving as the bridge between cold systems and high-performance reality. Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Books: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW; Culture by Design, Power by Discipline- Volume 1: https://a.co/d/7v5fy4f; Culture by Design, Power by Discipline- Volume 2: https://a.co/d/40yArAb  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    18 min

  3. JAN 28 · BONUS

    行動項目追蹤是動力還是枷鎖 S6E49

    擊潰「英雄領導」：為何移除領頭羊才是企業穩定的開始？前言：不可或缺的領導者，是企業最危險的錯覺在商場上，我們常陷入「不可或缺的領導者」這種有害的迷思中。許多執行長引以為傲的是，某個廠長或高階主管憑藉個人魅力與鋼鐵意志，獨力支撐起整個部門的績效。然而，從系統策略的角度來看，這並非卓越的領導，而是一個致命的「單點故障點」（Single Point of Failure）。當一個組織的運作邏輯、決策路徑與資訊權力全部鎖死在一個人的公事包裡，這不是強大，而是結構性的極度脆弱。這引發了一個殘酷的診斷：如果今天將這位領導者移除，你的公司是會進化到下一階段，還是會立即陷入癱瘓？對於多數依賴「英雄」的組織而言，答案往往是後者。當權力完全依附於人格而非系統時，穩定性只不過是一場隨時會幻滅的假象。核心觀點一：權力定律的逆向工程 —— 「擊潰牧羊人，羊群便散」Robert Greene 在其權力經典《權力 48 法則》第 42 條中，以冷峻的筆觸揭示了群體動態的本質：「如果你想使一個團體失去穩定，那就針對其領導者。當你移除了核心人物，追隨者就會失去方向並變得迷失。透過消除權力來源，你將能更輕易地控制或操縱剩餘的群體。」雖然這條法則傳統上被用於政治鬥爭中的「去穩定化」，但對於現代企業經理人而言，它具備更深層的診斷意義。如果移除一個領導者能讓團隊瞬間潰散，這證明該組織的權力結構是原始且未經開發的。依賴「人格權威」的組織，其生命力極其短暫；真正的戰略家會利用這條法則來測試組織的韌性——也就是將權力從個人手中解放，轉移到可持續運行的系統中。 Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Book: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    15 min

  4. JAN 28

    Stop Hiring Heroes, Build Systems S6E49

    Why the Best Leaders Build Organizations That Don't Need Them: Lessons from Law 42The Hidden Fragility of the "Hero" LeaderThe most dangerous leaders are those whose charisma masks a total lack of infrastructure. Executives frequently fall into the trap of the "Hero Leader," mistake-proofing their own egos while leaving the organization fundamentally fragile. They mistake a cult of personality for a high-performance culture. But charisma is not a strategy; it is a structural liability.Consider the mid-size manufacturing plant that recently served as a cautionary tale. For years, the facility thrived under a charismatic Plant Manager who acted as the sole arbiter of truth. When he unexpectedly exited, the "flock" didn't just stumble—it collapsed. Decisions stalled, priorities became purely reactive, and the absence of a "shepherd" revealed that the organization had never actually learned how to function. It was a group of followers, not a business. Ask yourself: if your organization faced a sudden "strike to the shepherd," would your teams maintain their pace, or would they scatter into chaos? Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Book: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    14 min

  5. JAN 21

    Thinking Solves Succession Traps S6E48

    Why Stepping Into a Great Leader's Shoes Is a Career-Ending MistakeIntroduction: The Shadow of a GiantStepping into a role previously held by a beloved, legendary figure is one of the most daunting challenges in leadership. The pressure is immense, the expectations are sky-high, and the predecessor’s shadow looms large. This is the successor's dilemma: how do you lead when you're constantly being measured against a ghost?The natural instinct is to try to fill those shoes—to emulate the style, echo the decisions, and extend the legacy of the person who came before. But this is a trap. Consider the case of a 70-year-old manufacturing firm that, after the departure of its charismatic founder-CEO, found itself in a state of cultural stagnation. Middle managers waited for direction, and operators feared deviating from the old ways. The very qualities that made the founder a legend had become barriers to the company's future.This article explores three powerful, if counter-intuitive, strategies for any leader stepping into a great predecessor's role. Drawing on the principles of Robert Greene's Law 41, "Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes," we will outline a practical path not just for survival, but for creating a new era of success. Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Book: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    18 min

  6. JAN 14 · BONUS

    付費重建文化自尊_拒絕免費午餐陷阱 S6E47

    為什麼聰明的領導者從不接受「免費午餐」？來自《權力48法則》的4個殘酷真相我們都喜歡免費的東西。從免費的軟體試用到供應商提供的免費諮詢，這些看似「零成本」的優惠總讓人難以抗拒。然而，在商業策略的棋局中，每一份「免費」的饋贈，都可能是一枚隱藏著義務與依賴的棋子。你真正付出的代價是什麼？這個問題不僅關乎財務，更觸及組織文化與領導力的核心。著名作家羅伯特·格林（Robert Greene）在其經典著作《權力48法則》中，將第40條法則定為：「藐視免費午餐」（Despise the Free Lunch）。這不只是一句警語，更是一種強大的策略思維。本文將揭示這條法則背後的4個殘酷真相，以及它如何深刻影響你的團隊與未来。 Title: Despise the Free Lunch Description:  Nothing of value comes without a price. When something is offered for free, there are often hidden costs. Avoid being indebted to others and always understand what you’re truly receiving. The best deals come when you pay your way and maintain your independence. ————————————— Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Book: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    17 min

  7. JAN 14

    Despise the Free Lunch S6E47

    The Most Expensive Thing in Your Business Might Be FreeIn the business world, the word "free" is magnetic. A free software pilot, a complimentary consulting engagement, a no-cost analytics tool—these offers seem like strategic shortcuts to growth and efficiency. But what are the unseen obligations that come attached? What is the real price of accepting something for nothing?The most powerful and counter-intuitive business principles often challenge conventional wisdom. By exploring one such principle from Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power—"Despise the Free Lunch"—we can uncover why intentionally paying for value is a critical strategy for maintaining control, building a strong culture, and reclaiming your organization's independence. Title: Despise the Free Lunch Description:  Nothing of value comes without a price. When something is offered for free, there are often hidden costs. Avoid being indebted to others and always understand what you’re truly receiving. The best deals come when you pay your way and maintain your independence. ————————————— Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  01:15 – Defining the Purpose Of the Episode   03:45 – Industry Research  06:30 – Real-World Example  10:00 – Key Differences and Application  15:00 – Conclusion and Takeaway Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Book: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    16 min

  8. JAN 7 · BONUS

    刻意製造混亂領導術_攪水捉魚的系統紀律 S6E46

    策略性動盪：『渾水摸魚』原則的深度解析與應用執行摘要本簡報深度分析了羅伯特·格林（Robert Greene）在其著作《權力48法則》中提出的第39法則——「渾水摸魚」，並將其轉化為一種名為「可控動盪」的現代管理策略。核心論點是，領導者可以刻意製造或利用組織內的混亂與緊張局勢，以暴露深層問題、識別真正的領導人才，並推動根本性的文化變革。一份詳細的商業案例研究顯示，一家製造公司透過公開展示關鍵績效指標（KPIs），成功地將一個規避風險、相互指責的文化轉變為一個透明、負責且協作的環境，最終實現了整體設備效率（OEE）的雙位數增長。此策略的有效性不僅限於製造業，在經濟、工程、醫療和聯邦政府等多個行業中均有實證支持，證明結構化的緊張局勢能顯著提升績效。然而，單純的動盪本身具有風險。本文件進一步比較了格林的戰術性方法與多位變革管理大師的觀點，特別是勒尼爾·強森（Lenier Johnson）提出的「管理作業系統」（Management Operating Systems, MOS）。結論是，雖然混亂能夠揭示真相，但必須與一套嚴謹的、以數據為驅動的系統（如MOS）相結合，才能將真相轉化為可持續的績效提升。若缺乏紀律性的框架，動盪將摧毀信任；反之，若有MOS作為支撐，動盪則成為推動文化成熟的強大引擎 Title: Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish Description:  In times of chaos, opportunities arise. Stir up confusion or conflict and watch how you can navigate the storm to your advantage. In the midst of disruption, others will make rash decisions, leaving you to take advantage of their mistakes. ————————————— Resources: The Continuous Improvement Lab: https://www.karassinnovations.com/blog Book: Shift Happens - How To Lead with Purpose and Discipline Every Day: https://a.co/d/0JZ8auW  Subscribe for more insights:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6MqoJ1aZM1VA5cgeWvjlnX?si=86901c0534b14403 https://open.spotify.com/show/3YqjoH6AZg7AdDYHyCwDY0?si=ecc12289b5e84f29 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.karassinnovations.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lenierjohnson Meta:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZorbNg72/?mibextid=wwXIfr Substack: https://karassinnovations.substack.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karassinnovations.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDm1_im2u-gpFsTARP71ec11C2Z8xbEGV&si=4e6_5rdfoQIiT1Gu #ContinuousImprovement,#Podcast,#ProcessExcellence,#Leadership,#Lean,#SixSigma,#TheContinuousImprovementLab,#TheSystemThinkerShow,#MOS #Management Operating Systems,#Project2025,#Sludge,#scottgalloway,#karaswisher,#AnthonyScaramucci,#McKinsey, #Gallup, #Deloitte, #StevenBartlett,#petersenge,#KurtLewin,#JohnKotter, #RosabethMossKanter,#DarylConner

    15 min
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About

Unlock the power of systems thinking and revolutionize how you approach operations with The Systems Thinker Show. Each episode dives deep into the principles, tools, and strategies that empower professionals to design, optimize, and lead smarter, more efficient processes across industries. Whether you’re an engineer, manager, or curious problem-solver, this show delivers insights you can apply immediately—from lean thinking and process mapping to digital transformation and organizational dynamics. Join us as we decode complexity, break down silos, and engineer smarter operations.

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