A new book, and four titles I can't choose between
Apr 22, 2026 12:57 pm
The Mistakes That Make Us is a recipient of the Shingo Publication Award from the Shingo Institute!
Hi :
I haven't mentioned this here yet, but I'm writing a new book. It's a practical guide for Lean leaders on psychological safety -- why so many improvement systems stall even when the tools are fine and the training is done.
Here's the argument, in short. Most Lean transformations don't stall because the methodology is wrong. They stall because people stop speaking up -- or never started. Some of that is fear. More of it is futility: people have learned, sometimes over years, that speaking up doesn't change anything. After enough of that, silence becomes rational. A better kaizen board doesn't fix it. A revamped huddle doesn't fix it. What changes things is a small set of leadership behaviors -- modeling, encouraging, enabling, rewarding -- practiced consistently enough that people start to believe their voice matters. That's what the book is about.
The in-progress edition is live on Leanpub right now. Early readers get every update through the final release, and your feedback genuinely shapes what ends up in the book -- a few reader comments have already changed how I'm framing specific chapters. You can read along here.
I also need your help picking the title. I've been weighing four options and I'm honestly torn between them. I posted a poll on LinkedIn with the full titles and subtitles. If you have a minute, vote. And if you feel strongly about one, for or against, tell me why in the comments. I read all of them.
I'd Love to Help You — Virtually or On-Site
I'm open to working with you, either virtually or on-site.
If I can help your team or organization as:
- A speaker,
- A virtual coach,
- A workshop leader, or
- A consultant,
... please let me know. You can reply to this email or schedule a call to discuss your needs and situation — and how I might be able to help.
I can also do a similar session for organizations in other industries!
New Languages for The Mistakes That Make Us
🌍 Available in Italian!
The Kindle eBook edition of Gli errori che ci rendono ciò che siamo is now available on Amazon. This Italian translation brings the book’s message to a wider audience—highlighting how embracing mistakes can drive learning, psychological safety, and continuous improvement.
🙏 A heartfelt thank you to Patrizia Mazza for editing and refining the AI-translated text. Her thoughtful work ensures the Italian edition speaks clearly and authentically to local readers.
Paperback also available!
🇪🇸 Expanded Spanish Options
The Spanish edition—Los errores que nos hacen ser quienes somos—is available in print, Kindle eBook, and audiobook formats via Amazon. Whether you're reading on paper, screen, or listening on the go, the message remains the same:
🎧 The audiobook is also available on Audible, narrated by an automated Spanish-speaking voice for accessibility and clarity.
Thank you for continuing to support and share this work. I hope these translations help leaders and teams around the world build cultures where people feel safe to speak up, experiment, and learn from mistakes.
My Mistake-Proofing Course for TKMG Academy!
Please check out my Mistake-Proofing course that's available through Karen Martin and TKMG Academy.
This video is a short preview from the start of Lesson 1:
You can buy the course individually at TKMGAcademy.com for $149. Volume discounts are available for large teams or your entire workforce (for more information, email [email protected]).
The course is also part of the wonderful collection of courses in the all-access annual subscription.
Recent Blog Posts and Podcasts
LeanBlog Posts and Podcasts:
My Favorite Mistake Podcasts -- Celebrating Our 5th Birthday!
The Audiobook is Available!
The audiobook version of The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation is available through Amazon, Audible, and Apple Books.
But you can listen to a 5-minute sample now, the first part of Chapter 1:
Thank You!
Thanks for being part of my community.
Let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.
Mark Graban