How many times have you seen a good improvement idea killed before it has had a chance to take effect?
I’m a big fan of taking a step in the right direction. Trying something that could improve the business and finding out.
At the heart of Lean and Continuous Improvement is the PDCA cycle, also known as Plan-Do-Check-Act.
The idea of this cycle is that you try something, learn from the results and do it better the next time around.
Two common problems
The two common problems that so many of us face are:
- Our colleagues and bosses pointing out all of the failings of our ideas.
- The desire to have a perfect improvement the first time around.
So, what if we gained the ability to do these two things?
- Focusing (more) on the parts of the improvement that will work.
- Agreeing to achieve perfection later on.
What would happen to the rate of improvement in your business?
Of course, I accept that a half baked improvement idea that will do more damage than good shouldn’t be trialled. I’m talking about the improvements that push us in the right direction that we have thought through.
Taking our team with us
And, what would happen if we told our colleagues that we are testing an idea and will develop a better version soon after we get some results? Do you think they would be ok with it?
If you find yourself either stopping ideas because of the ‘perfection trap’ or an ability to see all of the downsides, mull over this email and see what you can do differently going forward.
After all, it’s the results that count.
Stay productive,
Giles
