Overcoming Speed Bumps on the Journey to a Culture of Improvement
Overcoming Speed Bumps on the Journey to a Culture of Improvement
We all experience speed bumps that slow progress toward a culture of improvement. A high-performing culture is a journey that spans years. Building a high-performing culture of improvement takes time, dedication, reinforcement, and the ability to overcome speed bumps that slow meeting and exceeding desired results. See some culture of improvement characteristics:
The Speed Bumps
These speed bumps aren’t just when implementing improvements and changes; they often appear earlier in the journey, in the way we identify gaps, set priorities, and analyze root causes. Recognizing and addressing the obstacles early makes the journey smoother. See steps in below image.
Where are our Speed Bumps
- In Step 0, if leaders or team members do not believe they have a gap or need to improve - the journey cannot begin.
- If in Step 1 we brainstorm fun and personal problems to address we will likely miss focusing on the more impactful gaps that will significantly advance our needed outcomes. In other words, we'll be a few miles ahead, tired and out of gas. System-wide process gap identification & prioritization
- Step 2 is like topping off the oil when it gets low rather than addressing the root of the oil problem. Oh, the power of a deep root cause analysis! If we're not achieving our needed results use the 5 Whys to get a deeper understanding to identify better strategies to address gaps / problems.
- With speed bumps in Steps 0-1-2-3 resolved 4. Implementation will have less obstacles and more support and resources. Additionally, continual improvement and change methods are the sweet treats and caffeine boosters along the journey because they help solve problems/close gaps faster, easier, and better results.
- Measuring the journey to a culture of improvement provides us feedback, additional gaps to address (prepare for the next year's journey), and provide celebration opportunities! Measures often include - People: Turnover, Engagement (# Improvement ideas and projects, participation), Productivity. Process: Utilization of processes and systems, Capacity. Performance: Strategic (long-term) and annual (short-term) outcomes are achieved/exceeded, More & happier customers.
Overcoming these Speed Bumps
So many successful strategies exist to address and remove these speed bumps before or when they arise. As we attempt to share helpful, simple, and practical strategies it looks more like a book with many chapters than a blog. Here are some prior blogs/webinars with strategies: How to support & destroy high performance, High-performing work that is fun, Leading high performing teams & organization. When you’re ready to remove, go around, or smooth out the speed bumps, we’re here with proven strategies and hands-on support.
