Looking to streamline the workload in your organization but having trouble deciding where to begin? Many organizations find the thought of reducing workload intimidating or down right scary as these changes could result in downsizing or quality problems. I couldn’t disagree more with this line of thinking. In fact, the moment an organization ties improvement initiatives to downsizing is the moment they lose credibility with their workforce or other stakeholders. Here is a starting point with a few questions to ask yourself and ideas to get your creative juices flowing about where to begin your improvement efforts…

1. What are the bottlenecks or emergencies that are occurring in my operation?
2. In the eyes of my “end customer”, how could I provide better service?
3. How is my current situation preventing me from accomplishing critical objectives?

Begin with a Value Stream Map (VSM) of a workflow and drive kaizen to reduce overall lead time.

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When faced with problems in the workplace we have a choice of doing what we always do, doing nothing or changing the way we go about finding solutions. Making incremental changes can bring about progress in individual and team problem solving efforts and create a more effective organization.

Support Decisions with Objective Data

Challenging problems in the workplace can stimulate a variety of emotions in people from excitement to discontent which can lead to overlooking important facts and stifle optimal outcomes. Ask for supporting data and objective facts when individuals or teams are tasked with solving important business issues. Developing even preliminary data findings provides an opportunity to ask probing questions, validate information and formalize data driven recommendations.

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