Jump Start Problem Solving

…with a Simplified Process Improvement Strategy

Just do something!

The process improvement methodology is an incredibly reliable system for problem solving, but if a lot of time & energy will have to be spent in getting staff on board with it, maybe it’s time to just do something. And we would like to provide you the details for how to get started…

As one of our clients said:

“You’d be surprised at how many business problems you can solve when you carefully write down your procedures and talk with your staff about how they could be accomplished better.”

— Park Place BIS Client

For uncomplicated problems, and to introduce your staff to a simplified process improvement methodology, we are suggesting the following Intro to Process Improvement 101 checklist:

• Write down what the process is now; No judgements, no suggestions, just a simple bulleted list of how it’s currently being done

• Set up a 1-hour meeting, with a small group of staff (3-5), calling it a strategy session

• Agenda for the strategy session:

  • Thank them for coming

  • Tell them you want their input in simplifying a process

  • Hand out the simple list you have made

  • Ask them if this is the way it is currently done

  • Record any changes they give you until everyone is satisfied that the list represents the way it is currently done

  • Ask a single question – How can we do this better?

  • Without judgement or comment on your part, record their suggestions

  • Tell the group that you will follow up with them within one week

• Follow up one week after the meeting by email:

  • Send out the list of their suggestions for how the process can be improved

  • Ask for their comments or further thoughts about it

  • Request that their comments be returned within 5 business days

• Compile the new process based on their suggestions and resend to the group, along with your plans for implementing the new process

• Begin implementation
  
  

Although this simplified system won’t work well for large complicated problems, it will definitely improve the performance of a simple process. An added benefit of starting with a small project in this way is that the team sees how well it can work. The next time a process improvement project is suggested, they might be more willing to jump on board.

To learn more about process improvement, as well as our Workshops that provide one-on-one personalized suggestions, click the link below!