One small step to start planning 2021

As I write this post, I hope that you have already got plans in place for 2021 with regards to your process improvement projects.

Even if your plans do not run in line with the calendar year, it can be worth taking the time now to reflect briefly on your plans to make sure that they are still inline with where you want to go.

It is also, unfortunately, a task that many people don't get around to. Reviewing and revising business plans and continuous improvement plans can seem like a huge task. As you know, huge tasks often fall by the wayside as the day to day activities (and possibly crises!) take over.

Kaizen, the art of using small steps, can help us here. Instead of firing off the 'fight or flight' response in the brain, consider having a five minute review of your plans. Don't commit to anything more than this.

When you do carry out this quick review, if you feel inclined to make some changes and alter / improve your plans then feel free. This is the art of Kaizen, using the small steps to get you started and letting natural momentum take you forward.

This approach works great with business planning as it is a task that often gets put off. If you have a boss hanging over you then perhaps this outside motivation will be enough to drag the task to conclusion. If you are the boss, however, then this strategy can be used to great effect if you don't have that external demand on you.

I hope that your plans for 2021 come to fruition, but if you need a little shove in the right direction then try this tiny review approach and see if it helps you out.

Giles

About the author:

Giles Johnston is a Chartered Engineer who specialises in helping businesses to grow and improve through better business processes and embracing Kaizen.

Giles is also the author of Effective Root Cause Analysis and 'What Does Good Look Like?'.

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