Living in Berkshire, I have sometimes glimpsed the Common Kingfisher darting above the streams and waterways of Maidenhead, Taplow, Cookham and Bray. Alcedo atthis is the Latin genus and species for this beautiful bird. The Kingfisher is an inspiring tiny bird, as it zips past a few inches above the water and then disappears in a dazzling display of colour! Kingfishers are seldom seen, but when they appear in a fast blur of blue they can be pretty impressive!

The vivid blues of their forehead and wings reminds me of the methodology of Lean and Six Sigma which, when well executed, produces lasting and impressive results. The bright orange of Kingfishers’ chest and body remind me of the foundations of any integrated system; the people, the process and the technology and tools.

When a Kingfisher appears with a tiny fish in their long, thin beaks, it is as a result of observing, understanding, planning and only then action.  

These are the principles of Alcedo; observe, understand (and measure), plan and implement, all based on People, Process and Technology.

Adam Baumgart, April 2023