Out of the Present Crisis

Having worked with the author on several successful Lean Six Sigma initiatives, I have a great appreciation for his pragmatic and results-oriented approach. This book is full of the practical advice, experience, and real world examples that I have come to expect and appreciate from Burton's leadership and improvement expertise. His instructive and provocative analysis of our present circumstances is spot-on, and this book is certain to not only provide for all of us the desperately needed practical foundation for building our own cultures of innovative continuous improvement, but also fills a huge vacuum of continuous improvement thought-leadership that is so greatly lacking in today's Western World organizational strategy.-Mark Graham, Chief Executive Officer, LOUD Technologies

Five stars to the contemporary version of Deming's famous 1982 book, 'Out of the Crisis.' The author has developed an updated reference guide to improve how organizations improve through a combined strategy of Deming's back-to-basics, innovation, technology, and adaptive improvement across diverse environments and industries. This book thoroughly addresses the strategic leadership, planning, execution, performance, internalization, and other critical infrastructure factors for sustainable improvement and culture change.-Steven Boeder, Director of Operations, The Vollrath Company, LLC

This is the first book that directly addresses the entire subject and issues with true continual improvement. Sure everyone does 'improvement', but the author hits you between the eyes with why you aren't making breakthrough improvements continually. To succeed or even survive in this economy, company leaders and executives have to recognize the improvement is not the goal. It's about making improvement a strong core competency within leadership, people, and culture. The author addresses the leadership, strategic, and cultural barriers of change, and provides practical and inspirational advice about improving how we improve. It's a must read for anyone interested getting the big picture and proven path to true turnaround improvement.-K. Bradley Van Brunt, Jr., Vice President, Quality and Business Excellence, Endicott Interconnect Technologies

If you are a Healthcare administrative executive, physician, or clinician considering taking the Lean Six Sigma journey, reading this book definitely brings clarity of direction. Out of the Present Crisis is filled with new advice about improving hospital operations based on a deep understanding of the present dilemmas facing our healthcare environment. The author's practical guidance about how to implement major improvement initiatives successfully is the rudder needed to change the course of this colossal industry, preventing it from running aground.-James (Jay) Varrone MBA, Director of Materials, Norwalk Hospital

This book contains a wealth of common sense and practical advice about improvement backed up by decades of real world experiences about what truly makes a difference in your business. It also provides an instructive and provocative analysis of how globalization, innovation, and technology are all reshaping the urgent need to discover new approaches and sources of improvement in all industries. -Michael Anthony, Executive Vice President, Camridge Semantics

Every now and then an author gets it right, hitting the right target at the right time with the firepower to actually get the job done. I found this book to be a refreshing, optimistic look at an old, festering, solution-resisting problem, and the author presents a feasible solution, Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement in general, in a comprehensive and succinct call for action. This book provides an abundance of proven knowledge about how progress and improvement can actually be made, and that is remarkable in our time of rhetoric and paralyzed decision-making. Burton's book shows a new path, and it is well worth walking down it to find good answers. Those are hard to find today.-Alexis N.Sommers, Ph.D., Professor of Industrial Engineering, University of New Haven

Out of the Present Crisis: Rediscovering Improvement in the New Economy

Having spent a career focusing on process improvement, this book provides a wealth of proven and poignant advice as well as real world examples of what works in helping organizations continually improve all aspects of their business. Continuous improvement is one of the major strategic enablers for any company to achieve sustainable success, and this book helps provide solid, practical guidance . . . especially in this challenging economy and beyond.-Eric Lussier, P.E., Vice President, Operational Excellence, Handy & Harman Ltd.

Hospitals today have to be as focused on the business of operational improvement as on the business of saving lives. With so many resources devoted to protecting the bottom line, an organization-wide, systematic approach to improvement is imperative. This book outlines an adaptable, executive-led approach to imbedding Lean Six Sigma throughout all organizations for sustainable, silo-free improvement.-Lee Michael McLean, Six Sigma Green Belt, Director, Business Development and Networks, VHA New England

In this timely guidebook for all industries, Burton emphatically reminds us that the need for improvement never goes away, and he spotlights the importance of enlightened leadership and behavioral alignment in achieving real cultural change. Read it, and benefit from a profusion of real world advice.-Joseph F. Geary, Executive Vice President, Sciessent

Having spent years in manufacturing I understand all too well the transformations that needs to take place in America. The author's discussions about the higher moral purpose of improvement makes one realize that everyone has a large stake in improving our organizations, the quality of society in general, America's competitive global position, and the quality of life for future generations.-Wayne Pearson, Supply Chain Manager, GT Solar Inc.

Full of practical advice, experiences, and real world examples, this book presents a great understanding of sustainable business improvement. It also provides an enlightening analysis of how globalization, technology, and market forces across different industries are driving the need to adapt a different focus and approach to strategic improvement. The Improvement ExcellenceTM framework and other direction presented in the book provide a comprehensive roadmap for responding to those trends and ensuring the ongoing delivery of stakeholder value.-K. Joanne Kalp, Vice President, Product Management, Draeger Monitoring Systems and IT Solutions

Mr. Burton's latest book updates Deming's famous 1982 book, 'Out of the Crisis', for the 21st century business leader by integrating Lean Six Sigma innovation, enabling technologies and a healthy dose of common sense with Deming's back-to-basics approach. Those readers seeking to rediscover improvement as an integral part of a successful business strategy will find that Out of the Present Crisis: Rediscovering Improvement in the New Economy provides an easy to follow roadmap that ensures their improvement efforts translate into operational and strategic achievement.-Hermann Miskelly, Vice President of Quality, MATHESON TRI-GAS, INC.

I am inspired by Terry's passion and unswerving commitment to advancing the art and science of sustainable performance improvement. His new book convincingly describes how Lean Six Sigma methods can achieve breakthrough process and cultural transformations in healthcare delivery. Terry 'gets it right' regarding the importance of strategically aligning improvement work, the critical role of hospital leadership in improvement, and the all-important engagement of physicians and healthcare employees.-Dave Gronewold, MS, MBA, Certified Master Black Belt, Global Director, Customer Excellence, Covidien

The competitive landscape has changed significantly within the Medical Device Industry. Emerging markets and technologies have brought increased pricing pressures on Hospitals, OEM's and Healthcare providers. The author provides a practical and concise approach in utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies in transforming business leaders to be more competitive in the global Healthcare Industry marketplace.-David Delmonico, Director, Global Sourcing, Smiths Medical, Inc.

Full of practical advice, experiences, and real world examples, this book presents a great understanding of business improvement. While grounded in experience the advice is geared to the dynamics of today's economy, and includes a valuable discussion on the enabling capability of new technologies on strategic improvement initiatives.-Tim Andreae, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, MCA Solutions

Spreading the skills necessary to drive strategic improvement will be the most important component of a new, more value oriented healthcare system. This book gives healthcare leaders the insight into this most critical role.-Robert G. Norton, President, Partners - North Shore Medical Center

The rapid deployment and rapid results approaches of improvement resonate well with executives faced with the challenges of global uncertainty and not interested in another corporate train-the-masses program. This is exactly the approach SAP is taking with Rapid Deployment Solutions packages that contain preconfigured applications and productized services for accelerated time to value.-Martin Mrugal, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Industries & Solutions, SAP AG

The role of the CIO in organizations today is a critical, complex and dynamic role. The chapter on the role of technology provides a significant perspective on how companies can really leverage the role and overall IT function in creating breakthroughs in improvement and value that will in turn provide a strategic differentiation in the marketplace. This chapter is a must read for all levels within an organization.-Peter Girgis, Vice President, Information Technology, Visio, Inc.

Having worked with the author on many Lean Six Sigma projects within our business, his passion for continuous improvement is infectious and flows throughout this book, becoming quite hard hitting and direct at times, and reinforcing the view that a continuous improvement culture should not be considered a mere 'option.' As business leaders, our world is changing more than ever before and we are facing tougher challenges. This book provides an up-to-date set of tools to help us become better leaders, improve the way we improve our businesses, and to ultimately not just survive - but excel and win.-Andy Trott, Vice President and General Manager, Mixing, Microphones and Headset (MM&H) SBU, Harman International Industries, Inc.

Terry's passion shines through in his emphasis on the higher moral purpose of improvement. It creates a sense of personal ownership in improving organizations, the broader quality of society in general, America's role as a global leader, and the quality of life for our future generations.-Jeff Sams, Vice President, Quality & Lean Systems, Sequa Automotive Group

This book will serve as a map during the adventurous quest for 'best in class.' I couldn't recommend a more effective partner than the author-and this book-as a supremely effective guide for the successful 'change warrior' to compete in this 21st Century.
-Michael L. Goldman, CPC, President & Founder, Strategic Associates, Inc.; Past President and Lifetime Honorary Member, The Pinnacle Society

This book provides the inspiration and direction for rediscovering improvement while integrating technology as a major enabler to strategic and operating success. Follow the step-by-step advice in this book and your organization will put the word continuous back into continuous improvement.-Phil Pegg, Vice President, Business Management Office, North America Marketing, SAP

This book provides a simplified process of implementing continuous improvement for real, which is much needed in this economy. The author demonstrates the importance of laser targeting the larger global improvement opportunities, and how rapid improvement is essential to building a nimble culture and staying on track with continuous improvement.-Jim Hardiman, Vice President Engineering, The AVC Group

I enjoyed this book ... it provides a fresh look at improvement in the new economy, and thoroughly addresses the leadership, strategy, sustainable infrastructure, and other critical success factors that actually create the cultural standard of excellence, and the solid foundation for successful continuous improvement. An outstanding reference on improvement!-Stephen A. McCusker, Sr. Director, Global Supply Chain & Consumables Engineering, Gen-Probe, Inc.

The author provides a thoughtful and reasonable approach to applying improvement techniques to federal, state, and local governments, and other not-for-profit organizations. In addition to its social and political components, government also possesses economic and process components that are too often overlooked but that must be improved by applying sound business techniques.-Erik M. Filipiak, PhD, Theodore J. Eismeier Fellow in Political Science, The Alexander Hamilton Institute

Improving business processes and practices is no longer just for the associates on the manufacturing floor. Terry Burton's new book, Out of the Crisis: Reinventing Improvement in the New Economy, provides a compelling treasure trove of actionable ideas for and real-life examples of applying practical, proven approaches to improve all kinds of organizations such as manufacturing, hospitals, service corporations and government; and corporate functions not always included in improvement initiatives such as strategic planning, sales and marketing, engineering, financial management, and other professional, knowledge-based transactional processes. Not only does his book make a compelling case for becoming expert at improvement itself (his concept of Improvement Excellence (TM)), but it provides numerous examples and a multi-million dollar list of ideas about how organizations can improve competitiveness to overcome challenges and succeed in the global economy.-Sherry R. Gordon, President, Value Chain Group LLC

Terry's pragmatic approach has a way of turning the complicated into the simple. The guidance offered throughout his book has helped us to lower our functional costs, improve quality, and continue to keep us at the front of the pack as we speed along the world class track. I am confident that any organization that vigorously applies the principles in this book will see dramatic results in their bottom line, and a renewed culture of continuous improvement.-Rob Urry, Vice President and General Manager, Signal Processing and Amplifier Business Units, Chief Technical Leader Harman Pro Division, Harman International Industries

A truly remarkable work . . . I endorse the idea of Improvement ExcellenceTM - The last thing our organization and others need is another fad, train-the-masses improvement program. The future is about organizations adapting to constant challenges and improving how they improve.-Jim Foster, VP Sales North America, Philips Consumer Lifestyle

The author presents the next generation of improvement based on the fusion of technology and process innovation to 'improve the way we improve.' It is refreshing to finally find a practical guide for rediscovering improvement success!-Jennifer Ellis, Faculty - Technology, Operations and Information Management, Babson College

Having worked with the author on several successful Lean Six Sigma initiatives, I have a great appreciation for his pragmatic and results-oriented approach. This book is full of the practical advice, experience, and real world examples that I have come to expect and appreciate from Burton's leadership and improvement expertise. His instructive and provocative analysis of our present circumstances is spot-on, and this book is certain to not only provide for all of us the desperately needed practical foundation for building our own cultures of innovative continuous improvement, but also fills a huge vacuum of continuous improvement thought-leadership that is so greatly lacking in today's Western World organizational strategy.-Mark Graham, Chief Executive Officer, LOUD Technologies

Five stars to the contemporary version of Deming's famous 1982 book, 'Out of the Crisis.' The author has developed an updated reference guide to improve how organizations improve through a combined strategy of Deming's back-to-basics, innovation, technology, and adaptive improvement across diverse environments and industries. This book thoroughly addresses the strategic leadership, planning, execution, performance, internalization, and other critical infrastructure factors for sustainable improvement and culture change.-Steven Boeder, Director of Operations, The Vollrath Company, LLC

This is the first book that directly addresses the entire subject and issues with true continual improvement. Sure everyone does 'improvement', but the author hits you between the eyes with why you aren't making breakthrough improvements continually. To succeed or even survive in this economy, company leaders and executives have to recognize the improvement is not the goal. It's about making improvement a strong core competency within leadership, people, and culture. The author addresses the leadership, strategic, and cultural barriers of change, and provides practical and inspirational advice about improving how we improve. It's a must read for anyone interested getting the big picture and proven path to true turnaround improvement.-K. Bradley Van Brunt, Jr., Vice President, Quality and Business Excellence, Endicott Interconnect Technologies

If you are a Healthcare administrative executive, physician, or clinician considering taking the Lean Six Sigma journey, reading this book definitely brings clarity of direction. Out of the Present Crisis is filled with new advice about improving hospital operations based on a deep understanding of the present dilemmas facing our healthcare environment. The author's practical guidance about how to implement major improvement initiatives successfully is the rudder needed to change the course of this colossal industry, preventing it from running aground.-James (Jay) Varrone MBA, Director of Materials, Norwalk Hospital

This book contains a wealth of common sense and practical advice about improvement backed up by decades of real world experiences about what truly makes a difference in your business. It also provides an instructive and provocative analysis of how globalization, innovation, and technology are all reshaping the urgent need to discover new approaches and sources of improvement in all industries. -Michael Anthony, Executive Vice President, Camridge Semantics

Every now and then an author gets it right, hitting the right target at the right time with the firepower to actually get the job done. I found this book to be a refreshing, optimistic look at an old, festering, solution-resisting problem, and the author presents a feasible solution, Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement in general, in a comprehensive and succinct call for action. This book provides an abundance of proven knowledge about how progress and improvement can actually be made, and that is remarkable in our time of rhetoric and paralyzed decision-making. Burton's book shows a new path, and it is well worth walking down it to find good answers. Those are hard to find today.-Alexis N.Sommers, Ph.D., Professor of Industrial Engineering, University of New Haven

Out of the Present Crisis: Rediscovering Improvement in the New Economy

Having spent a career focusing on process improvement, this book provides a wealth of proven and poignant advice as well as real world examples of what works in helping organizations continually improve all aspects of their business. Continuous improvement is one of the major strategic enablers for any company to achieve sustainable success, and this book helps provide solid, practical guidance . . . especially in this challenging economy and beyond.-Eric Lussier, P.E., Vice President, Operational Excellence, Handy & Harman Ltd.

Hospitals today have to be as focused on the business of operational improvement as on the business of saving lives. With so many resources devoted to protecting the bottom line, an organization-wide, systematic approach to improvement is imperative. This book outlines an adaptable, executive-led approach to imbedding Lean Six Sigma throughout all organizations for sustainable, silo-free improvement.-Lee Michael McLean, Six Sigma Green Belt, Director, Business Development and Networks, VHA New England

In this timely guidebook for all industries, Burton emphatically reminds us that the need for improvement never goes away, and he spotlights the importance of enlightened leadership and behavioral alignment in achieving real cultural change. Read it, and benefit from a profusion of real world advice.-Joseph F. Geary, Executive Vice President, Sciessent

Having spent years in manufacturing I understand all too well the transformations that needs to take place in America. The author's discussions about the higher moral purpose of improvement makes one realize that everyone has a large stake in improving our organizations, the quality of society in general, America's competitive global position, and the quality of life for future generations.-Wayne Pearson, Supply Chain Manager, GT Solar Inc.

Full of practical advice, experiences, and real world examples, this book presents a great understanding of sustainable business improvement. It also provides an enlightening analysis of how globalization, technology, and market forces across different industries are driving the need to adapt a different focus and approach to strategic improvement. The Improvement ExcellenceTM framework and other direction presented in the book provide a comprehensive roadmap for responding to those trends and ensuring the ongoing delivery of stakeholder value.-K. Joanne Kalp, Vice President, Product Management, Draeger Monitoring Systems and IT Solutions

Mr. Burton's latest book updates Deming's famous 1982 book, 'Out of the Crisis', for the 21st century business leader by integrating Lean Six Sigma innovation, enabling technologies and a healthy dose of common sense with Deming's back-to-basics approach. Those readers seeking to rediscover improvement as an integral part of a successful business strategy will find that Out of the Present Crisis: Rediscovering Improvement in the New Economy provides an easy to follow roadmap that ensures their improvement efforts translate into operational and strategic achievement.-Hermann Miskelly, Vice President of Quality, MATHESON TRI-GAS, INC.

I am inspired by Terry's passion and unswerving commitment to advancing the art and science of sustainable performance improvement. His new book convincingly describes how Lean Six Sigma methods can achieve breakthrough process and cultural transformations in healthcare delivery. Terry 'gets it right' regarding the importance of strategically aligning improvement work, the critical role of hospital leadership in improvement, and the all-important engagement of physicians and healthcare employees.-Dave Gronewold, MS, MBA, Certified Master Black Belt, Global Director, Customer Excellence, Covidien

The competitive landscape has changed significantly within the Medical Device Industry. Emerging markets and technologies have brought increased pricing pressures on Hospitals, OEM's and Healthcare providers. The author provides a practical and concise approach in utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies in transforming business leaders to be more competitive in the global Healthcare Industry marketplace.-David Delmonico, Director, Global Sourcing, Smiths Medical, Inc.

Full of practical advice, experiences, and real world examples, this book presents a great understanding of business improvement. While grounded in experience the advice is geared to the dynamics of today's economy, and includes a valuable discussion on the enabling capability of new technologies on strategic improvement initiatives.-Tim Andreae, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, MCA Solutions

Spreading the skills necessary to drive strategic improvement will be the most important component of a new, more value oriented healthcare system. This book gives healthcare leaders the insight into this most critical role.-Robert G. Norton, President, Partners - North Shore Medical Center

The rapid deployment and rapid results approaches of improvement resonate well with executives faced with the challenges of global uncertainty and not interested in another corporate train-the-masses program. This is exactly the approach SAP is taking with Rapid Deployment Solutions packages that contain preconfigured applications and productized services for accelerated time to value.-Martin Mrugal, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Industries & Solutions, SAP AG

The role of the CIO in organizations today is a critical, complex and dynamic role. The chapter on the role of technology provides a significant perspective on how companies can really leverage the role and overall IT function in creating breakthroughs in improvement and value that will in turn provide a strategic differentiation in the marketplace. This chapter is a must read for all levels within an organization.-Peter Girgis, Vice President, Information Technology, Visio, Inc.

Having worked with the author on many Lean Six Sigma projects within our business, his passion for continuous improvement is infectious and flows throughout this book, becoming quite hard hitting and direct at times, and reinforcing the view that a continuous improvement culture should not be considered a mere 'option.' As business leaders, our world is changing more than ever before and we are facing tougher challenges. This book provides an up-to-date set of tools to help us become better leaders, improve the way we improve our businesses, and to ultimately not just survive - but excel and win.-Andy Trott, Vice President and General Manager, Mixing, Microphones and Headset (MM&H) SBU, Harman International Industries, Inc.

Terry's passion shines through in his emphasis on the higher moral purpose of improvement. It creates a sense of personal ownership in improving organizations, the broader quality of society in general, America's role as a global leader, and the quality of life for our future generations.-Jeff Sams, Vice President, Quality & Lean Systems, Sequa Automotive Group

This book will serve as a map during the adventurous quest for 'best in class.' I couldn't recommend a more effective partner than the author-and this book-as a supremely effective guide for the successful 'change warrior' to compete in this 21st Century.
-Michael L. Goldman, CPC, President & Founder, Strategic Associates, Inc.; Past President and Lifetime Honorary Member, The Pinnacle Society

This book provides the inspiration and direction for rediscovering improvement while integrating technology as a major enabler to strategic and operating success. Follow the step-by-step advice in this book and your organization will put the word continuous back into continuous improvement.-Phil Pegg, Vice President, Business Management Office, North America Marketing, SAP

This book provides a simplified process of implementing continuous improvement for real, which is much needed in this economy. The author demonstrates the importance of laser targeting the larger global improvement opportunities, and how rapid improvement is essential to building a nimble culture and staying on track with continuous improvement.-Jim Hardiman, Vice President Engineering, The AVC Group

I enjoyed this book ... it provides a fresh look at improvement in the new economy, and thoroughly addresses the leadership, strategy, sustainable infrastructure, and other critical success factors that actually create the cultural standard of excellence, and the solid foundation for successful continuous improvement. An outstanding reference on improvement!-Stephen A. McCusker, Sr. Director, Global Supply Chain & Consumables Engineering, Gen-Probe, Inc.

The author provides a thoughtful and reasonable approach to applying improvement techniques to federal, state, and local governments, and other not-for-profit organizations. In addition to its social and political components, government also possesses economic and process components that are too often overlooked but that must be improved by applying sound business techniques.-Erik M. Filipiak, PhD, Theodore J. Eismeier Fellow in Political Science, The Alexander Hamilton Institute

Improving business processes and practices is no longer just for the associates on the manufacturing floor. Terry Burton's new book, Out of the Crisis: Reinventing Improvement in the New Economy, provides a compelling treasure trove of actionable ideas for and real-life examples of applying practical, proven approaches to improve all kinds of organizations such as manufacturing, hospitals, service corporations and government; and corporate functions not always included in improvement initiatives such as strategic planning, sales and marketing, engineering, financial management, and other professional, knowledge-based transactional processes. Not only does his book make a compelling case for becoming expert at improvement itself (his concept of Improvement Excellence (TM)), but it provides numerous examples and a multi-million dollar list of ideas about how organizations can improve competitiveness to overcome challenges and succeed in the global economy.-Sherry R. Gordon, President, Value Chain Group LLC

Terry's pragmatic approach has a way of turning the complicated into the simple. The guidance offered throughout his book has helped us to lower our functional costs, improve quality, and continue to keep us at the front of the pack as we speed along the world class track. I am confident that any organization that vigorously applies the principles in this book will see dramatic results in their bottom line, and a renewed culture of continuous improvement.-Rob Urry, Vice President and General Manager, Signal Processing and Amplifier Business Units, Chief Technical Leader Harman Pro Division, Harman International Industries

A truly remarkable work . . . I endorse the idea of Improvement ExcellenceTM - The last thing our organization and others need is another fad, train-the-masses improvement program. The future is about organizations adapting to constant challenges and improving how they improve.-Jim Foster, VP Sales North America, Philips Consumer Lifestyle

The author presents the next generation of improvement based on the fusion of technology and process innovation to 'improve the way we improve.' It is refreshing to finally find a practical guide for rediscovering improvement success!-Jennifer Ellis, Faculty - Technology, Operations and Information Management, Babson College