The Kaizen Mindset: Small Steps for Big Improvements

What is Kaizen?

Kaizen is a Japanese term that translates to good change or improvement. Therefore, the Kaizen mindset is an approach for continuous improvement where it is believed that small, consistent changes can ultimately create a positive impact over time. It has been adopted in many industries and even on an individual level.

The History of Kaizen

Kaizen was first practiced in Japanese businesses after World War II. In 1950, Toyota implemented unique quality circles called the Toyota Production System. These were systems of continuous improvement in quality, technology, processes, company culture, productivity, safety and leadership. The consistent small improvements led to major benefits such as faster delivery, lower costs, and greater customer satisfaction.

The 10 Principles of The Kaizen Mindset:

1. Let go of assumptions.
2. Be proactive about solving problems.
3. Don't settle with the existing state of affairs.
4. Disregard perfectionism and adopt iterative, adaptive change.
5. Look for solutions as you find mistakes.
6. Create an environment in which everyone feels empowered to contribute.
7. Don't accept the obvious issue, conduct a root cause analysis by asking why 5 times until you get to the core problem.
8. Consider information and opinions from multiple people.
9. Use creativity to find low-cost, small improvements.
10. Never stop improving.

Here are the six steps that can be followed to implement Kaizen in any workplace:

1. Identify problems: Hold a retrospective meeting where all problems are documented, then focus on one high priority problem at a time. This could even be done in the classroom between the teacher and the students.
2. Analyse the current process: During the retrospective meeting, discuss things that work well, don't work well, and any impediments you all might be facing.
3. Create a solution: Get everyone necessary and relevant involved.
4. Test the solution: Test one solution at a time rather than fixing all problems at once.
5. Measure and analyse the results: Look at your key performance indicators or any tools where you can see visible positive results.
6. Standardise and adopt the solution: Given that it is a success, make this solution the new standard of working and repeat the steps to continuously achieve the Kaizen mindset.

Written by: Sanam Ibrahimi

Editor: Aziza Khanom