This post is simply a question for you to ponder: "Do you prepare thoroughly before you start work?" By work I am including projects that you might be working on, your day to day normal work tasks or anything else you do during your working day.

A client of mine, many years ago, was very frustrated that their project plans were never stuck to. They were baffled as to why their perfectly good (and well thought out) plans always failed. Due to this frustration I was asked to have a look at their plans. Although I wasn’t an expert in their line of work I was able to ask a few questions that were relevant. We worked through the sequence and the work contents which all seemed fine. I then asked about the resourcing and finally struck something that was awry with the plan.

Over the years I have worked with a fair number of businesses that had thought that implementing a MRP system would solve a lot of their problems. Instead, they found themselves: No further ahead with their on time delivery problems. No better off from an inventory management point of view. Still lacking teamwork across the business. Feeling frustrated with their system and creating spreadsheet workarounds. Stuck with higher levels of admin tasks, for no obvious gains...

It's a fascinating time of year, from a continuous improvement perspective. Ideas on how we want to change our business often flood through our minds at this time of year. Has this happened to you during the last few weeks?

Once you get the ball rolling with continuous improvement projects it can be quite astounding as to how many other improvement opportunities come out of the woodwork. However, when you get 'too many' managing them can become difficult. If you face this issue then it might be time to have a master list.

On our quest to grow our businesses it can sometimes be frustrating when our progress slows down. With growth comes both rewards and frustrations; getting past the frustrations is key to the next phase of growth and it usually starts with a conversation.

If you would like to get yourself a copy of my Making It Happen  programme for only $47, you have until 9pm on Monday the 7th of November 2016 to use this discount code: