Keep utilizing teams, that represent a cross-section of the staff, to address specific projects and recognize that everyone's input is essential. All of our staff have areas of expertise. (Continual Quality Improvement is a good example of this). AHB employee survey -
Thank you for including me and making me feel like a vital part of the process. - Central Intake Kaizen team member
(Quality Improvement) QI is fun! You get to learn so much about what other people do. - Kaizen event leader
I appreciate the different roles and Importance of a Kaizen facilitator (mediator, leader, change manager, cheerleader, follow-up manager). - Kaizen event leaders’ learnings
It was a wonderful experience. I was immersed in QI at a level I have never before experienced. A year ago I didn’t really understand QI—I was one of those staff who said yeah—I’m supportive improvements for quality—I think performance management is important—but I didn’t understand or even know about QI principles or tools. WOW! Talk about a personal and professional transformation! - Project Leader
Thank you for an infusing challenge, excitement and thought-provocation into the last years of my work life. I had forgotten how uplifting this type of stimulation could be. I sometimes wonder if your project is one of the main reasons I didn’t retire sooner. No, I don’t wonder, I know. So, thank you for that. You not only took me back to my private sector days where open thinking, mutual respect, and mentoring are paramount, you helped me remember that I really do have a brain and can be a positive contributor. - Kaizen event Leader, upon retirement
This is not just about the Person in control, it is about all employees. - Kaizen event team member
The team had some really nice things to say about how I facilitated that meant a lot to me. I felt a very strong team spirit and I think the others did too. - QI Leader post Kaizen event
I want all of you to know that it was a great experience. My mind raced with ideas and improvements for NC for days. In fact, the other night I found myself dreaming of wastes and woke up arguing the benefits of flow of single items vs. batching! - State Registrar during Kaizen
Part of why I support rapid process improvement is the remarkable relationships and understanding of other people’s work that you get from doing it. That can only make us better. It’s not a matter of them vs. us, it’s all of us together. - Public Health Director, during Kaizen report out
From: “We’ve never been asked our opinion before, we’re just told what to do”, “I have much more capability than people realize but feel looked down on because I’m just an operator”, “you’re just trying to get us to do more work”, “we expect when all this is done you will tell us we don’t have a job”. To: “ In the end we got hugs from everyone, and they made comments like “it turned out right like you told us on Monday”, “sorry I was mean to you”, and “we’re sorry you are leaving”. “ We ended up receiving positive feedback from everyone. Of course in one week it did not eliminate issues completely, but it was a powerful example of Kaizen’s ability to generate positive energy in people!” - 1 particular team
The Kaizen event made me realize how much I really would like to work more with kids, and how WIC is a great fit. Without having been a part of the Kaizen event I probably wouldn’t even have considered transferring. - Kaizen team member
Could not have come at a better time; like our strategic goal - Kaizen team member
This Kaizen event was a roller coaster, after I got off I’m ready to do it again! - Kaizen team member
It is nice to see how proud people are and how they own these improvements and new process. - Kaizen facilitator