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Improvement Inertia is the default behavioural setting where there is no accepted improvement agenda to create a pressure for change.
The most frequent reason for that inertia is a lack of clarity about who is accountable for the 3 stages of the fix to solve process of
A. Identify and target problems/opportunities
B. Understand cause and effect and introduce improvements
C. Implement improved approach and develop competencies to lock in the gains .
"C" is the biggest barrier to overcome. To do that involves involving users in the process of refining ideas so that work routines are easy to do right, difficult to do wrong and simple to learn.
To do that involves developing those in front line roles to support activities to ratchet up performance. This works best as a cross functional team activity. One that systematically develops team capabilities to progress through the steps set out below.
This works best when these skills are honed through application projects carried out alongside the day to day routine. That way those carrying out the work can refine work routines until they are easy to do right, difficult to do wrong and simple to learn.
As teams develop capability they also develop the confidence to try out new ideas and develop a deeper understanding of cause/effect mechanisms. Sharing that insight build on existing knowledge, skills and experience of the whole team.
To make that happen, front line leaders need to invest quality time to review progress and coach their teams to achieve next steps. In addition to gains in performance, this also releases specialist and management time from dealing with day to day issues so that they can focus on higher added value activities. The gains are typically 6 to 8 times the cost of time invested so payback is measured in months if not weeks.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help you to overcome problem solving inertia or check out our training, coaching and support plans for practical projects here.
