Sustaining the continuous improvement journey through effective people management
Continuous Improvement generally relates to improvement of systems and processes
. A system consist of Process, People and Procedure.Optimum interaction between the three components will bring in positive results.Of the 3 component, it is important to get the people component right before we can embark on improving the other 2 components.
In order to have a sustainable continuous improvement, the following aspect of the people management need to be put in place first by the organization.
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A.Right People on the Bus ( Jim Collins- Good To Great)
In a change management program, it is important to ensure the right profile of people is hired or identified within the organization. The profile we are expecting is someone who shares the values of the organization. Someone who is self-motivated and able be team-player. This applies critically for people at managerial and executive level.This will be a key principle for the organization and the first thing that need to be done before embarking on a continuous improvement journey. First look within for resources that can be developed before bringing in out-side resources.
B.Create Awareness
It is important to ensure the entire organization is aware of the Continuous Improvement journey Hence a communication session on the journey is a must and feedback ought to be obtained. My suggestion is to use the generic word such continuous improvement for communication purpose. There is a danger of using specific tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Sigma and etc. for communication purpose. This might send the message that the organization is embarking on program of the month concept. Need to emphasize that this tools and techniques will be used as part of continuous improvement journey.The people need to be made aware their role in this journey and what it means to the organization to embark on this journey.Communication has to be credible and not being done just to tick the box.Company values and beliefs must be communicated during the awareness sessions
C. Learning & Development
I am using L&D here instead of training because there are many ways of developing people apart from class room training alone.A comprehensive L&D strategy need to be put in place in order to increase theskill andknowledge of the people. Hence, there need to be group trainings, individual coaching and project assignments in support of the Continuous Improvement journey. One of most effective way of developing people is for managers and senior executives engaging in group discussion at the floor level. Use this opportunity to share about company values and beliefs.
D. Coaching
Well, coaching can be considered as part of L&D strategy. But, here I am placing it as a separate subject, because of the importance of coaching in everyday management. Nothing beats better then engaging in one-to-one discussion with a subordinates. Coaching must happen at every level on a scheduled basis.But coaching session cannot be changed into a session to review KPI's ( this is how most of the coaching sessions ends up with). Coaching session is about adiscussion on a particular issues that is affecting performance.And again I'm repeating:-Use the session to link to the company values and beliefs. All managers need to acquire coaching skills and coaching of their sub-ordinates must be one their KPI.
E. Empower
Allow decisions to be made at appropriate level. People must be empowered to take action when some things goes against the values and belief of the company. If a company place quality and customer satisfaction as number one priority, then the shop floor people must have the authority to shut down the production line when quality is compromised. When this decisions are taken by the shop floor, the action has to given due recognition as a positive action and aligned with the company values.
F. Working in Teams
Encourage people to work in teams to solve problems. To be specific, cross functional teams. A problem, can be attributed to many departments. Rather then blaming each other, people have to come together to resolve the issues in the interest of customer satisfaction. Superiors need to allow time for cross functional activities either during working hour.
G.Give Recognition
Give ample recognition where it is due.It is human nature to feel good when recognition is given. Recognition can be in many ways. Not necessarily must be monetary. Important factor here is that the sincerity in giving the recognition.
The presence of the 7 actions listed above will lead to improved motivation and which will lead to process improvement. This will lead to improve customersatisfaction.
To know more about definition of continuous improvement click the following link.
Sustaining the continuous improvement journey through effective people management
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