“Rule 4 Consulting’s work provided our Mayo Health System participating pilot sites a better understanding of how to tap into the talents and creativity of our frontline staff, empowering them to take a more active role in the improvement work, and promoting an atmosphere of optimism and enthusiasm.”

“Steven Spear has done the best conceptualization of the lessons from the Toyota Production System. Dr. John Kenagy has written the best 'how-to' book for healthcare. And Rule 4 Consulting has the best teacher/coaches for those that want to learn.”

“After working with Rule 4 Consulting, I'm not getting called in to solve frontline problems, yet I understand much more clearly what's happening at the point of care.”

“Rule 4: Any improvement must be made in accordance with the scientific method, under the guidance of a teacher, at the lowest possible level in the organization.”

“Each small improvement led to a significant redesign of our supply chain which was recognized nationally when we received the VHA Leadership Award recognition in April 2008. Rule 4 Consulting has changed how we as leaders think, approach our work, and respond to our staff.”

“Rule 4 Consulting’s ability to connect with the staff and get them thinking about how to address their problems is a skill that we need.”

“I've “been there” and “done that.” Finally, we've found a sustainable path of genuine excellence.”

“Even traditional work like projects, data analysis and implementations can be approached adaptively. Not only does this build new skills that work to achieve desired results, ultimately it exposes why traditional work limits our ability to truly innovate.”

“We’ve done Lean Cohorts over the past couple of years and what I’ve discovered is that the learning doesn’t continue beyond the cohort projects. Working adaptively, the learning occurs real-time in the course of work. We’re changing the culture one problem at a time.”