The Spirit of Kaizen

Creating Lasting Excellence One Small Step at a Time

By: Bob Maurer, Leigh Ann Hirschman

Narrated by: Bob Maurer

The easy-to-implement guide to driving organizational change by applying the proven concept of kaizen

UCLA psychologist and organizational consultant Dr. Robert Maurer provides a simple and proven effective technique for making major changes with minimal disruption. Applying the operational concept of kaizen - small, continual improvements - to common management challenges, managers can drive major improvements with a series of well-planned techniques for boosting quality, innovation, sales, and morale.

©2012 Robert Maurer (P)2012 Random House Audio

little by little

great book which goes way pass the title, the voice is nice to listen too, and the advices are plentifull, as well as life exemple. A great read, it will be on my 2014 best list for business book.

amazing book

i was using Kaizen without me knowing it. I'm the living proof that small some times tinny daily actions can and will change your life.

Always a fan of kaizen philosophy

A good think around very common issues with people accepting small steps
Good job writing

Psychology of breaking down big of difficult tasks

I really like this book since it offers a concept of continuous improvement. The central philosophy of the book, derived from the Japanese term “Kaizen” for its powerful psychology - small, incremental changes can lead to profound transformation. This book is not only for business abut actually accessible to readers from all walks of life, not just those in corporate environments or manufacturing. There are numerous examples from both personal and professional situations, showcasing how individuals can achieve lasting success by focusing on manageable, consistent steps rather than overwhelming, drastic shifts.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its emphasis on psychology. Basically talking about how the brain tends to resist large-scale changes due to fear and stress, often leading to procrastination or failure. By advocating for small, almost imperceptible adjustments, the book reveals how we can bypass this fear response and steadily move toward our goals. Talking about how to breaki bad habits, improving health, or boosting productivity. The concept of "small steps" as a tool for creating change feels both intuitive and backed by research,.
I also liked practical strategies presented in this book. Many of presented specific techniques, such as asking small questions, thinking small thoughts, and taking small actions, that can easily be implemented in daily routines we often forget, are easy to implement in real life. These tactics are designed to lower the mental barriers to change, making progress feel less daunting.
Well, this approach doesn’t promise quick fixes but rather promotes a realistic and long-term method for achieving success.
However, the book can feel repetitive at times, as it reiterates the same core ideas through different glasses. While this reinforces the philosophy of Kaizen, readers already familiar with the concept may not find new insights in every chapter. Nonetheless, author’s message is clear and consistent: lasting improvement doesn’t require radical change but rather a commitment to small, continuous efforts.
I also liked the example for health and fitness - Instead of trying to adopt a rigorous workout routine immediately, Kaizen suggests starting with something as small as a single push-up or a short walk each day. Over time, these small actions become a habit, and you can gradually increase the intensity or duration as you become more comfortable.
Or productivity at work - If you're overwhelmed with a large project, Kaizen recommends breaking it down into tiny, manageable tasks. For example, commit to working on a task for just five minutes a day. This minimal commitment often reduces resistance and helps build momentum, eventually leading to greater productivity.
Or how to improve organisation costs or finances…. And so on.
Small steps are designed to reduce the fear or resistance associated with large changes, making it easier to sustain progress over the long term.

For a bold change in your life

It is an easy book to understand and assimilate the small steps necessary to begin changing your life on key aspects. Start living a happier life thru continuous learning with patience. This is a rewarding journey, life!

Priceless

Very important concept. The way of the future in a world of growing population, technology and limited resources. It is also an invitation to the forgotten virtues of self discipline, frugality and the work well done. Should be taught in high school.

Help me tremendou with the understanding of Kaizen

Much more enjoyable than I thought it would be I thought it would just be another boring Business book

A Broadly-Applicable Overview.

This book covers a wide range of business topics on a well-researched fashion. Certainly an invaluable tool for examining your approaches.

Impressed

I've read many self help books... And this is now at the top with them. Short. Simple logic and most important not redundant.. I highly recommend

A must for anyone that wants to achieve.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Spirit of Kaizen to be better than the print version?

Yes and No. This is a great book regardless of how you get the information. Most important is to get this information that develops yourself, organization, and your team. Provides endless examples of team approach, how to get the best out of yourself and others, how to prepare for whatever you want to accomplish. This is a well put together book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The UltimateTeam for Progress

Any additional comments?

This book applies management 101 principles coupled with science and easy approaches to change the world one incremental change at a time. One of the most structured books i've listened to in a while.