Did you also noticed that some organizations/departments/teams improve and innovate faster than others? Would this be a coincidence or would it be the result of a planned approach?
 
Perhaps the following 4 pictures can give you an insight into where you are and what your next step might be.

level 1 – Amateurism

  • Some experts try to improve things.
  • This is usually small-scale.
  • It is not framed in a global vision.
  • The impact is limited and rarely sustainable.

level 2 – opportunism

  • Several people try to change things.
  • This is often limited to their own department.
  • It can go out in all directions.
  • The impact is usually limited and rarely sustainable.

level 3 – management

  • All improvement initiatives are part of a broader and shared vision.
  • The whole is coherent and coordinated.
  • Improvement initiatives are transversal across departments.
  • The involvement of employees on the shopfloor is usually limited.

Niveau 4 – leiderschap

  • All improvement initiatives are part of a broad shared vision.
  • The whole is coherent and coordinated.
  • Improvement initiatives are transversal across departments.
  • Everyone from high to low is involved and  empowered.
  • Improving is part of the job.

Many organizations are at level 1 or 2 with a strong focus on local improvement initiatives. The real breakthroughs often have to be sought transversally. To make this happen a methodological approach is required.
The management must have a clear and shared vision that exceeds the interests of the silos. Remaining focused is critically important. Furthermore, the improvement initiatives must be aligned with the strategic priorities. In this way the scarce resources are optimally used in function of the strategic priorities.
 

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