Challenges can be approached from different angles. There is no right or wrong when it comes to the chosen method or tools providing that the job gets done and benefits meet the expectations.

Those who know do, those who understand teach

It doesn’t take long to see who knows and thing or two about continuous improvement and who is just a preacher. Hands-on people take the bull by the horns and crack on with the challenge. They are the advocates of simple and effective solutions. They will consider the complex approach as and when required. In the second corner, we have so-called preachers. People who will bore you to death with a theory on how to approach problem-solving and continuous improvement. They will criticise every attempt to tackle the issue arguing that more in-depth analysis is required.

Theory vs practice

Theory and practice should complement each other. It’s essential to maintain a balance between them. I have been fortunate to work with great people who were experts in their fields. They all shared the same view – at some point, you have to stop the theory and start the practical part.

Where to begin?

You can start anywhere when it comes to business improvement. Your proactivity, enthusiasm and drive will support positive outcomes. If you feel comfortable with small, incremental improvement rather than a vast revamp good for you! Any positive change is better than no change.

Say no to naysayers

If you feel that there is an opportunity for improvement that can be approached now, then don’t wait. Get the team together and just do it. Once you fix some obvious issues, you will be in a better position to get on more complex challenges. Avoid people who will try to stop you with the usual nonsense – “it’s not gonna work”, “we’ve tried that before”, “it’s only a patch” etc. You will be off to another successful initiative while they will be still complaining.

Good luck with your next challenge!

You are welcome to get some tools to start with from our library. It’s all free. Enjoy!