The Optimization Trap - Actions to Apply the Principles

For the past few months I have been sharing through this newsletter the concept of The Optimization Trap and detailing the seven principles for avoiding the trap.

(To read these go back to earlier editions of this newsletter.)

But of course understanding the principles is not enough, it is applying them that will make a difference.??

To apply these principles and help ensure that you avoid the optimization trap you should:

• Everyday ask yourself whether you are applying the 7 Principles in your work.??By constantly reinforcing with yourself and your team the need to apply these principles they will eventually become second nature and a natural part of your management style.??This action is in effect an application of the Principle 6: Action = Culture.
• For all new initiatives use the principles as a checklist before implementation.??Why not prepare a check list of the 7 Principles and then use these before implementing any new initiative???This will help you to avoid falling into The Optimization Trap before you even start.
• Challenge any situation where someone talks about ‘optimization’ without recognizing The Optimization Trap.??Many people talk about ‘optimization’ – consultants, managers, and vendors.??When involved in any discussion where the idea of optimization is raised, challenge the concept of optimization and ask about the assumptions being made and how the other party will avoid the optimization trap.?

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Conclusion

One final problem with The Optimization Trap is that it is very difficult to see it in ourselves and our own actions.??

The Optimization Trap is a very real phenomenon that we can see around us every day, but mostly we see it in the actions of others.??

It is often said that recognizing a problem is half the solution, so your new awareness of the optimization trap should help you to avoid the trap.??If you have already fallen into the trap, recognize it, acknowledge it, and start to climb out.

To recognize The Optimization Trap we must firstly acknowledge its existence and impact, then by being aware of the desired objectives and applying the 7 Principles for Avoiding the Optimization Trap we give ourselves a far better chance of finding truly optimal solutions.??

Finally, by taking the actions for avoiding the trap we can then help ourselves, our peers, and our company’s delivery better, longer lasting, and more effective operational outcomes.

That's the end of my Optimization Trap series.

In the new year I will start a new series focussing on the issues people (and companies) face in managing their spare parts inventory - and how to avoid them!

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