Today’s post is a book review of “One Small Step Can Change Your Life – The Kaizen Way” a 2004 self improvement book by Robert Maurer, PhD. Kaizen is a Japanese word that translates variously to improvement, amelioration, refinement, and betterment. It is a technique of continuous improvement based on the idea that SMALL ONGOING POSITIVE CHANGES can reap major improvements. In his short easy to read eight chapter book, Dr. Maurer defines Kaizen, explains it’s origins, and lays out simple techniques anyone can follow to bring about lasting change. Kaizen, which translates as “small continuous improvement,” is based on the idea that big changes or projects are difficult and therefore frequently don’t succeed. Small changes, done incrementally are typically seen as easy, and with minimal commitment and just a little cooperation, transformation happens as a matter of course. This Japanese business technique actually arose from ideas introduced by US manufacturers and business experts to aid in the reconstruction of Japanese industry following World War 2. The workers of Japan learned well, adopted the teaching and adapted it to their culture, and produced a technique that allowed them to quickly dominate the manufacturing world. Robert Maurer’s book gives a good accounting of the technique, and ways we can incorporate it into our everyday lives.
