LIKER's 4P Model PROBLEM SOLVING

We have finally reached the 4th P of Liker -PROBLEM SOLVING. I would consider the title as slightly incongruent as Liker's 4P covers much more than what is generally understood as solving a problem. In general parlance, problem solving is more often a temporary or one time step to overcome a hurdle. But Liker emphasizes that the 4th P is not short term fire-fighting but achieving a long term sustenance of a solution that has devised.?

4P is the process of continuous improvement and constant learning. Some use the acronym CANI – Continuous And Never ending Improvement. This is the crux. And a scientific way of thought and action will help us achieve this. And "scientific" does not mean complex methods. A set of simple, disciplined way of thinking and taking action steps would suffice. So, what do you do??

The very first step is to get your xxx off your chair, leave the comfort of your cabin and walk through the workplace – where the action really happens. (GEMBA, for prudes!!!). Go and see for yourself to thoroughly understand the situation firsthand – not through power points or excel.?

Next, get EVERYONE involved in the discussion. Listen more than speak. That's why we have two ears and only one mouth!?

Have a brainstorming session for ideas without monitoring or conditioning the minds of the participants. You will be surprised how often the best and most practical solutions come from the bottom of the pyramid. They know it best because they are at the workplace (GEMBA, if you like!) all the time.?

Feel the pulse of the activities, collect data thoroughly, analyze deeply, consult all concerned and take decisions through consensus. Participation is an essential component of team work, morale and process ownership.?

Isn't this enough for today?! See you next week.?

Here's the link for last week's post: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/likers-4p-model-more-partners-sridhar-j ?

LEAN MURALI, my mentor in understanding LEAN, has a magnificent mission. His mission is to help one million young professionals become Lean Champions. Towards this, he conducts a weekly one hour online Knowledge Sharing Session where he explains Lean, Six Sigma concepts in a simple manner that is easy follow. He believes that spreading knowledge to hungry minds is no less than donating blood or feeding the poor. This is absolutely FREE and anyone can participate. Those interested in these free live sessions can opt to register through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/freelean You can also share this link with any of your friends who may be interested and can benefit from it.