What you can't learn about Lean without going to Japan
Mar 30, 2026 3:06 pm
The Mistakes That Make Us is a recipient of the Shingo Publication Award from the Shingo Institute!
Hi :
There's a limit to what you can learn about the Toyota Production System from books, courses, and conferences. I say that as someone who writes the books and gives the talks.
Some things only click when you see them in person. The rhythm of a Japanese hospital that has practiced daily improvement for decades. The calm of a production floor where problems are surfaced immediately, not escalated later. The difference between reading about respect for people and watching it operate as a management system in real time.
That's why I'm leading a small-group trip to Japan this September.
I've partnered with two highly experienced bilingual guides to build this as a Lean Healthcare Accelerator -- not a sightseeing tour with a few factory stops. We'll visit hospitals, manufacturers, and TPS practitioners. I'll be facilitating reflection sessions throughout so you leave with more than photos.
The group is small by design. Twelve people, max. The conversations between participants are often as valuable as the site visits -- and that only works at a small scale.
All logistics, translation, and local travel are included. Early bird and group pricing are available.
Read the full itinerary and details here: Join Me in Japan
Or reply to this email and I'll send you the specifics.
Let's Work Together
As we get further into the new, I have room to take on a few new coaching and advisory clients.
If you're leading change and grappling with challenges like:
- A Lean journey that feels stalled or surface-level
- Teams that hold back instead of speaking up
- Metrics that create noise instead of clarity
- Improvements that fade instead of taking hold
- A culture that talks about learning—but rarely follows through
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Through virtual coaching, I work with leaders across industries to strengthen psychological safety, build a true culture of continuous improvement, and lead with greater clarity and confidence—even when the path forward isn’t obvious.
If you’re ready to make meaningful progress in 2026, let’s talk.
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