Process Improvement….the Kaizen Method

As far back as I can remember I viewed everything through an organizing or productivity improvement filter. There were years of streamlining and organizing Barbie (yes Barbie the doll). Her social calendar and wardrobe were always in a state of flux and when I met new friends so did Barbie and that set in motion a whole new stream of improvements.

In university I was more concerned with the mess in the professor’s office and the lost paper than I was with the class I was taking.  Then it was my tenure in the Financial Services sector I was helping people to make small changes in their financial situation.

Regardless of the situation it was always about creating and implementing a change for the better.

This past week I was introduced to a concept that I know well and yet was unfamiliar with the term.  

Kaizen which is Japanese for “improvement” or “Change for the better” was the topic in a coaching session I was participating in. You can only imagine my excitement as I listened to everyone sharing their stories of how a change they had made in their home/work made such a big difference in the quality of their life.

It is amazing how something can be right under your nose for so long.

As a work from home professional I have been some what sheltered from the Corporate Speak on this whole Kaize thing. The research this week on this new concept revealed several terms that I have heard in passing but did not know the whole story. For some this information may be new but for others it will illuminate a new path to a change for the better.

Some of the programs that incorporate Kaizen;

• Business Process Reengineering
• 5S
• Six Sigma
• TOC Lean Six Sigma

There are five main elements of Kaizen. They are Teamwork, Personal Discipline, Improved Morale, Quality Circles and Suggestions for Improvement. When these elements are combined the outcome essentially eliminates waste. The waste could be in time spent doing redundant activities or wasting tangible resources that cost the company in many ways. If you are working in a team environment these are the key ingredients in the recipe of success.

As a work from home professional I have personally adopted the 5S approach which uses the Kaizen methodology and is geared to the solo-preneur or individual employee. The method includes Sorting, Straightening, Systematic Cleaning, Standardizing and Self Discipline. You can also add Safety to this list if applicable to your situation. This approach is how I help my clients in their office and home to adopt the methodology for continuous improvement.

Toyota was one of the first companies to use Kaizen just after the Second World War. Everyone from the CEO to the cleaning staff adopted the methodology. No matter how you look at it, this is a philosophy more than a strict list of to-dos.

By adopting the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement , you would realize a series of small gains.

Implementing small changes that when done consistently make for long term improvement that is measurable and lasting.

Here are some suggestions for process improvement that you can do today:

• Take the last 30 minutes of the day and clear your desk to prepare for tomorrow.
• Batch similar tasks together and do all at once.
• Leave a comfortable amount of time between appointments so you can prepare for the next…and be on time!
• Set realistic time frames for activities and block the time accordingly in your schedule.

Small changes do make a difference…at 211 degrees water is hot at 212 it is boiling.

What small changes can you make today that just might make a change for the better and ultimately….

“Make Your Life Easier“.