"With this book, Tom Zidel expertly outlines the necessary elements and proper execution of process improvement in the form of a fast-paced business novel. Set in a hospital, we follow a senior management team overcoming organizational skepticism and resistance as it moves to rapidly implement a series of improvement initiatives as the core of its financial turnaround plan. Tom brilliantly incorporates descriptions of Lean principles and tools and the historical context of process improvement into this engaging book while demonstrating the power of Lean to dramatically improve patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and business results."—James P. Hill, Senior Vice President, Administrative Services, MedStar Washington Medical Center"In this, his third book, Tom has chosen to use a narrative style that pulls the reader along through the experiences of a mythical, failing hospital and the efforts of the CEO to restore its health through the adoption of the Lean methodology. There is no mythology, however, about the situation he presents. They are all very real and will resonate with almost anyone who has ever worked in a hospital. Tom’s choice of a narrative style is brilliant. He avoids long discussions of foreign terminology and esoteric principles to hone right in on what really happens in hospitals. This is a book for anyone who is interested in how things get done in complex organizations and how they can get done much better."—Paul Martin, Retired President, Maryland Healthcare Education Institute"I just finished Tom Zidel’s Book and I can say I loved the format. The story format captured my attention and drew me into Nick’s journey to improve his facilities quality and turn around its performance. I loved the dramatic flair of the storyline because it added a focus I could personally identify with. Tom (the author) has outdone himself, this book should be required reading in Healthcare Administration degree programs!"—Robert S. Libberton, MBA FACHE CMPE, CEO, La Paz Regional Hospital"Is your bookshelf filled with Lean ‘How To’ books that start with ‘Step 1 – Obtain Leadership Support’? Have you struggled with this first step? This book will complement your efforts to get your leadership on board. It’s an easy to read narrative format that leadership will easily fit into their busy schedules. I found it as engaging as ‘The Goal’ and it excels at weaving improvement concepts into a story."—Ken Heffron, CPHQ, CQE, CQA, CSSBB, District Administrator, Marshfield Clinic
