Back to Basics!

After 30 years in the process improvement world, I have had the opportunity to learn from the best, gather the tools I believe are best practice and head out to explore new worlds on my own.

What I have found, is the value of going back to the basics.

 A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to help facilitate a Kaizen event over a one-week period. The improvements implemented during that time and the items added to our Kaizen Newspaper made for a nice ROI of $3.2M. The team included ‘C” level executives, mid-level managers, supervisors and employees from the floor. Team engagement was excellent, and ideas were generated by fully looking outside of the box for solutions. High Fives were given, and teams were ready to conquer the world.

But, I did say back to basics, right? I have found over the last few years, that Continuous Improvement “Experts” have walked away from Kaizen events and the power they have. Almost like they have forgotten foundational improvement methodologies and are chasing the next new shiny thing. I reflect on the value created in the Kaizen event I participated in, and in looking at offerings in the process improvement world, I still see examples of Six Sigma trying to be used to solve straightforward process improvement opportunities (Remember when we used it for process variability, to increase quality?) I see simple tools being made complicated to “Sell” value to clients. When did this happen? I will admit I fell into the trap myself.

The important thing about going back to basics for me was once again seeing the power of the tools, the return on investment they can provide in a brief time, and the ability to quickly engage and empower teams to do their best work, not just for each other, but for the benefit of their company and culture. Even better – I got that awesome feeling back – you know the one; when all your hard work makes change happen quickly, simply and in a manner, that will sustain - because you get to focus on that? When you get to watch that “Aha” moment happen and see real engagement? That’s what getting back to basics has been like for me. Hey, I’m the girl with Kaizen Tattoo…I’m committed to this madness – But I am grateful for the opportunity to get back to basics, utilizing tools that work quickly and effectively and that I know work!