Embrace the stumbles associated with continuous improvement

Every time a change is introduced, or a system tweaked, there is the chance for a stumble.

This stumble might be a mistake, an inefficient or ineffective method, or complete confusion. Or something similar!

In short, teething pains are to be expected. But, the point I want to make is, don't throw the towel in.

This experience is normal, and a key part of the continuous improvement cycle (aka PDCA cycle).

The whole point of the PDCA cycle is to:

Plan a change / improvement.
Do some work, to make progress with the plan.
Check what the results are and evaluate them.
Act differently to get a different result and then start the cycle again.

Many businesses give up when an improvement doesn't work on the first attempt. Often there is little persistence and rarely an embracing of the PDCA cycle.

If this is something you have seen in your business in the past, let me offer a few words of support:

Set appropriate expectations for your improvement projects, don't expect the finished result on day one.
Ensure there is a healthy team environment, encourage support and accept the reality that stumbles will happen whilst the improvement is shaping up.
Lead by example with open dialogue about the changes, facilitate change by providing opportunities to improve clarity around the changes taking place.
Make the reason 'why' the change is taking place prominent in your team / business. Purposeful action is lot more effective than blind faith in many situations.

Making progress on an improvement is important. Achieving results, however, is the key to effective change.

Take ego out of the equation (if present) and systematically bumble your way to victory!

Giles

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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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