5 Keys To Continuous Improvement Success

Mike Girdler

Continuous improvement – how to make it work I don’t think anyone would discount the benefits of continuous improvement to an organization and its customers. …

Continuous improvement – how to make it work

5 Keys to Continuous ImprovementI don’t think anyone would discount the benefits of continuous improvement to an organization and its customers. For the organization, benefits arise from investing in, educating, and developing its people, and continually enhancing the processes of how you get things out the door. For the customer, continually improving means being able to provide the customer with the highest, most competitive, level of satisfaction. But, what are the keys to unlocking the benefits of a culture of continuous improvement in an organization?

5 keys to successful continuous improvement in your organization

  • Executive commitment. It all starts at the top. The president or owner must believe in continuous improvement – completely. If it is a “nice idea” or some “flavour of the month”, or “we really should be doing this”, don’t bother. It will do more harm than good. Executive personnel need to believe, be committed, able to link the initiative to the company vision, and articulate the benefits for the organization.
  • Communication. Employees need to fully understand what continuous improvement means, what the expectations surrounding continuous improvement are, what is expected of them, how it benefits them, and how executive and management will support the initiative. Communication efforts will need to be continuous – update your employees regularly, and through different communication channels on how efforts are progressing and on the positive impacts on the organization.
  • Training. Employees require training to support the continuous improvement initiative. Determine what new or additional skills are needed and commit to making the time for training, regardless of business crises, vacations, or whatever else might possibly stand in the way.
  • Recognition & incentives. Commit to rewarding good behaviour. Implement a recognition program – highlight achievements and celebrate successes. Evaluate whether an incentive program would work to further support efforts. Being recognized and receiving additional monies can go a long way in helping sustain your continuous improvement efforts.
  • Stay with the program. Evaluate and continually adapt your continuous improvement initiative. Are the training efforts producing the results you planned? How are the continuous improvement efforts affecting projects? How much are you spending on the program and what are you getting from it? By evaluating and adjusting to meet changing needs, you’ll be able to stick with the initiative.

Continuous improvement offers many benefits to an organization, and its customers. Unlock the benefits by focussing on 5 keys – executive commitment, communication, training, rewards & incentives, and a will to stick with the program.

 

What does your organization’s continuous improvement look like? Thanks for reading don’t forget to share/tweet/like our blog just underneath this paragraph. And don’t forget, we’re always here to help with your business efficiency needs.

Thanks For Sharing!

Photo of author

Michael Girdler is a vice-president, CornerStone Dynamics Inc. His blogs focus on all things project management. Throughout Mike's career, he has invested deeply into projects involving sales, marketing, training and development, continuing education, and communications environments.

SLAY Project Management

Online Course

5 Sections and 24 step-by-step HOW TO Videos! The only 5-hour on-line course that teaches you the PRACTICAL side of project management. This course will guide you step-by-step on HOW to successfully run a project and provides you with all the templates and tips you need to be successful.

Fab 5 Fundamentals

Free Training

Are you striving for successful projects, but get overwhelmed figuring out what elements of project management to focus on for the best results? In the Fab Five Fundamentals of Project Management, you’ll learn the five things you need to do on EVERY project to bring it to success.

Why Projects Fail?

Free Download

If you're new to projects or need a refresher, here's a guide of all the things I learned during my journey. Project success is about knowing how to navigate and stay clear of roadblocks, issues and problems. Understand the top 10 reasons why projects fail and how to avoid them.

Interested In Working Together?

We are business productivity experts. Contact us to learn how we can help your business become more efficient and increase profitability.

Join Our Newsletter

Join over 30,000 subscribers. Get the latest and the best in project management information delivered straight to your inbox.

Follow Us