I spent a good bit of my early career doing scientific research for several amazing organizations, including Wadley Research Institute (now part of Carter BloodCare), the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc., and Eli Lilly and Co.
Back then, I worked with microbes such as bacteria and yeasts – tiny creatures that individually are too small to be seen with the unaided eye. I studied them to improve medicines and treatments for a variety of diseases. Working on these sharp scientific teams to make a difference for sick people who really needed these therapies was extremely rewarding.
Stained cancer cell from Nikon’s Small World Photo Competition.
One of my favorite parts of research was cell staining, a technique used to better visualize cells and cell components under a microscope. By using different stains, you can preferentially stain certain cell components, such as a nucleus or a cell wall, or the entire cell. It may sound complicated, but really, it clarifies things. The staining process helps you look at the same research question through many different perspectives – or sets of data. It led to a lot of “aha” moments!
Today, in my work as a business operations consultant, I use Six Sigma, Lean and other process improvement techniques in a similar way to cell staining. It’s almost like you’re staining collected information with these different tools, so that it stands out better for analysis and informed decision making. Tools such as pivot tables, graphs and charts turn data into pictures, drawing our focus to facts that might otherwise be obscured.
I am so thankful for my training as a scientist, and my many years of staring into microscopes. Asking good questions and analyzing data are still at the heart of what I do as a business excellence coach. I love what I do! If you have a business process that needs a “check-up,” please email me! I’d love to help you get back to a healthy, productive workplace!
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