Many books focus on the tools needed for for process control and continuous improvement, but the latest work by Philip Gisi -- entitled Sustaining a Culture of Process Control and Continuous Improvement: The Roadmap for Efficiency and Operational Excellence -- moves beyond this limited view and focuses on the daily work routines necessary to maintain and sustain these activities as part of a Lean process and management mindset.
This past month, I spoke with Philip and asked him: "What are the common obstacles to sustaining a culture of
continuous improvement? How can we overcome these problems?” Here is his complete answer:
A culture of continuous improvement is based on carefully
defined operating standards, organizational work routines, and visualization of
key performance indicators. The ability
to sustain a culture of continuous improvement is rooted in the way an
organization is structured (standards and procedures), the discipline they
exhibit in executing their work routines and how effective they are at hold
employees accountable to their commitments.
Let’s briefly consider the impact of structure, discipline, and
accountability in sustaining a culture of continuous improvement.
Organizational Structure
If you don’t have systems that promote the right behaviors,
you are unlikely to get what you expect.
Look at the work habits, attitudes and engagement of employees, if you
don’t like what you see, ask:
• Do the
behaviors of employees reflect the principles of the organization?
• Are there
methods and procedures in place that align with these principles and, if so,
are they clearly defined?
• If followed,
will the methods and procedures generate desired results?
• Do employees
effectively implement the methods and procedures?
Discipline
Discipline is a mindset which stems from a commitment of
employees to execute their roles and responsibilities as key contributors to
organizational success. Management must ensure the right systems are in place
to promote behaviors expected to achieve ideal results while employees must
exhibit the discipline required to follow and improve standards, procedures, and
work routines designed to realize and continuously enhance output performance.
Accountability
Management has the responsibility to monitor, control, and
improve organizational systems with the support of all employees. This requires continuous verification that
processes are executed properly while corrective action and employee coaching
occurs when deviations from standards are detected. In short, successful
organizations have documented systems in place that align with their strategic
goals and produce desired results when executed as intended.
What has your experience been with sustaining continuous-improvement initiatives? What are your thoughts on Philip Gisi's ideas for overcoming common obstacles?
What has your experience been with sustaining continuous-improvement initiatives? What are your thoughts on Philip Gisi's ideas for overcoming common obstacles?
