Kaizen improvements need to be specific

Do you find that your Kaizen improvements don't always go to plan?

If you do, then you're with the majority! Whilst there is great deal of 'trial and error' there is a simple approach that can help.

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Being specific about critical parts of your improvement can uplift your results. So, how do you go about doing this?

The most direct route is to be clear about which parts of your improvement are critical. From here you can explain, in detail, what you want for those items.

This might take some practice as many of us have become lazy in this regard. We take it for granted that our team 'get us' and will know what they need to do.

If you ever feel that something basic is missing from an improvement ask this question:

"What does good look like?"

The answer should put you back on track.

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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