Episode D5.005 Responsible for Continuous Improvement

IBGR - RESULTS Radio Network. Everything a business owner needs to start, grow or exit a business. Come grow with us.

Introduction
Continuous improvement is an ongoing effort to improve all elements of an organization such as processes, tools, products, and services, etc.   The improvements can be small and incremental, or they can be more breakthrough in nature. One of the key issues to grasp is that this in an “ongoing” process so it should be part of the DNA of your company not just an activity that your organization undertakes.  The most successful organizations can instill a culture of continuous improvement. 
Show Objectives
Today’s show is all about continuous improvement.  As previously stated Continuous Improvement is an ongoing, consistent effort to improve products, processes, or services.  This continuous effort often reduces waste and increases quality.  Sometimes Continuous Improvement may be a “bad-rap” as being just another process where people are going to critique my department or my work.  The key is to tie the Continuous Improvement process to business needs.   The continuous effort can drive a competitive advantage for organizations that get it right. 
Key Issues
Owner/Manager

1. What is continuous improvement?
2. Why continuous improvement?
   1. Does this process only look at things that are not working?
   2. Why do we need to improve if what we are doing is already working?
3. What level of impact can continuous improvement achieve?

 

1. What areas can continuous improvement be applied?

• Areas of possible Improvement
• Business Strategy
• Business Results
• Customer Service
• Customer Relationships
• Internal Relationships (Employee)
• Relationships with Suppliers

 

1. How difficult is it to start a Continuous Improvement process? It the process complicated?
2. Are there existing Continuous Improvement models in place that I can use?

• Deming or Shewhart Cycle: (PDCA)
• Six Sigma
• Lean
• Theory of Constraints
• Total Quality Management (TQM)

 

1. Who is responsible for continuous improvement?

• Owner
• Executive/Management team
• Leaders
• Frontline workers

1.  How do I create a culture on continuous improvement, so this approach is part of my company culture and not just another task that we do?

 
Key Issues – Employee Perspective

1. What is my role in the Continuous Improvement?
2. Do I have an opportunity to make a difference and be recognized?
3. How does my role in the organization impact the organization as a whole?
4. From my perspective, what could improve my job, department, division?

• Are the tools available that could increase my/our productivity?

What You Need to Do

1. Identify the problem that you are trying to solve
2. Determine if Continuous Improvement can help you solve the problem.
   1. Is there a Continuous Improvement framework that is better suited to help me solve my problem?
      • Deming or Shewhart Cycle: (PDCA) – General CI Framework
      • Six Sigma – intended to improve business processes by greatly reducing the probability that an error or defect will occur. (Very Data focused)
      • Lean – focused on reducing activities that don’t add value
      • Theory of Constraints – Identification and elimination of bottlenecks
      • Total Quality Management (TQM) – General program that pulls from different models.
3. Create a culture of Continuous Improvement.
   1. All hands on Deck – Continuous Improvement is everyone’s responsibility
      1. Engage all employees in the continuous improvement process.  Continuous improvement should be the responsibility of everyone in the company (not just for the process improvement team).
      2. Continuous Improvement has be become part of the identity of your organization, not just something that you do. This should be a part of training programs, hiring, and the performance evaluation process.

 

1. Think Big – start small

Small consistent changes lead to transformational results.

Shows
Previous: Episode D5.004 Formal Training Programs for Job Demands & Career Development
Next: Episode D5.006 Relationship with Management and Ownership is Open and Based on Trust

Written by James Bryant

​