That’s The Way We Have Always Done It

I have heard this from lots of companies and people over the years. It is an answer to the question, “Why are you doing it that way”? Process and product improvement starts with the premise that “it” can be done better, faster, safer, simpler, and cheaper – all without diminishing quality.

My Dad used to say to me, “Don’t be married to your first idea, you can always make it better”, and he was right. To add to this statement, it doesn’t even need to be your idea, it can be anyone’s idea, as long as it makes the product or process better, faster, safer, simpler, and cheaper without lessening quality. In fact, I have seen many products and processes make big gains in these areas and their quality also improves.

So as we move into this New Year, try not to settle for “that’s the way we have always done it”, because improvement is always possible. Finally, a few quotes that have been linked to Albert Einstein to drive this point home:

“Imagination is more important than knowledge”

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”

Happy New Year!