4 level system to create a culture of continuous improvemen

4 level system to create a culture of continuous improvemen

Change starts within!

It’s not just the “what we do” but “how” we do matters? Many organizations focus on tools i.e. what we do. This can have a dramatic improvements at first go but it may fall back to zero in the long run. So the focus has to shift from ‘what we do” to “how”, looking at the larger picture which is sustainable in long run.

Creating & changing a culture is critical for the success of any continuous improvement (CI) journey. Culture often spins around the work processes in an organization. It may either hinder or enable the processes that we keep trying to simplify. Unless the daily habit & behaviors change, nothing is going to change. And the most difficult part of embarking on the CI journey is to change this culture.

Below given four level system can help to create a culture of zero defect & CI.

The four levels

1. Organize Teams (standardize team meetings, set a mission and get clear KPIs)

2. Organize Workspaces (5S in both theory and practice)

3. Normalize (SDCA circle to adopt best methods and reduce time wasted)

4. Make Improvement (PDCA circle to simplify and optimize the work flow with each level going through a standardized process of pilot selection, team analysis, train the trainer programs, visualization and audits.

What is Daily KAIZEN?

•       Focused on changing Behaviors in line with KAIZEN™ approach

•       Involve all Employees in frequent KAIZEN™ actions (improvements)

•       Focus on KAIZEN™ Leadership by the Gemba leaders

•       Facilitate implementation of  Work Standards

•       Control Key KPI´s on a frequent basis and Act immediately with countermeasures

•       Create a culture of CI

Why should we implement Daily KAIZEN™?

• Small, daily changes lead to big, long term improvements

• People take ownership for their work

• New habits are formed

• Teams and their leaders know what to do and how to do it better

• People learn to spot and eliminate waste and feel encouraged to make suggestions

• Mistakes are not hidden but are seen as gifts or lessons

• Improvements are based on many doable, small changes

• Ideas come from employees themselves

• Small improvements require less time and capital investment

• Teamwork improves naturally

• People are motivated from within

• It humanizes the workplace

• Quick wins occur

• Simple, visual and accessible standards are created

• People at all levels are inspired to make changes

• Everyone sees sustainable changes in a very short time

The CI culture is critical for sustainability; and to change it, we have to change our management system. If we stop following through CI practices because things seem stable and in control, it is certain that we will soon face unstable & out-of-control processes and falling back to zero. 

 

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