Tag: change

Improving improvement: mindset, making it happen and measurement

Measurement No Comments

In many sectors we find some of the ideas of ‘continuous improvement’ ring true: and there is growing curiosity from quality, to Six Sigma to Lean.

We think this is the single best page (with a number of resources and videos) to get you into some of the simple concepts for an improvement mindset – thanks to IHI for posting this freely.

And also from health care, we like this video from the NHS Institute that helps health care workers think about the measurement to know if any attempt at change is an improvement.

Why so much from health care? Well leaders and improvement specialists in that sector have had to work very hard to ensure the attraction and acceptability of these ideas to colleagues who are not ‘scientific management’ geeks and experts. And we think they have done that pretty well.

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Synergy snowball

Front foot No Comments

We like the work of Peter Fuda – not just because we are attracted by the same words (e.g. momentum, alignment) or pictures (such as snowballs!): have a look.

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Oranges…

Reflect No Comments

I managed to see a stunning programme on the writer Jeanette Winterson this week.

The documentary was jam packed with interesting quotes and ideas – sound bites don’t do them justice…

– ‘Our enthusiasm often tells us where we are lacking’

– She talked powerfully of her ‘dark night of the soul’ when she tried suicide in 2008

– She talked of her life purpose for women writers to get ‘their share’

– She argued how we need writing to help us ‘grapple with the size of our own feelings’

– She summarised the ‘big endings in life’ (and literature) of revenge, tragedy, forgiveness

– She talked of ‘over-estimation of the object’ and the projection we make onto things as a defence

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Leadership checklist

Checklists No Comments

And another checklist…for leaders.

Nice.

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More on change…

Front foot, Personal productivity No Comments

Out last blog was on change.

In the meantime we have been watching this video on The Story of Change with a client…enjoy!

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To burning ambition?

Personal productivity No Comments

You will have seen our interest in DVF as a change model

We like this video – making the case for a burning ambition (not just a burning platform) in achieving significant change.

Nice.

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Feeling responsible?

Personal productivity No Comments

We are interested in personal responsibility…it is a topic that comes up regularly from leaders when we talk about desired organisational behaviours – see this .  We like the work of John Miller  and encourage all to step up in the way we live our lives – high on responsibility and low on blame.

On the flip side, the preference from many of us, is for choice and self-determination in our lives.

At work, we find the thinking of Gerard Fairtlough on ‘responsible autonomy’ – the third of his ‘Three Ways of Getting Things Done’ – especially useful in blending these two in the design of productive organisations and fulfilling work.

Read (and listen) to more here.

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Fitzbillies – a metaphor – from Woe to Wow

Plan, Reflect No Comments

The restaurants are full in London (we see that in our travels, and are told so by taxi drivers too).  And even out of London, in January, town is busy.  In 2007 I recall cycling through the same streets, first week of January – deserted.

Blue Monday whether you believe in it or not, is looming.  However, some don’t seem to need many reasons to be cheerful at this time of woe it seems.

In a separate catering story, Cambridge has a much loved cake shop, Fitzbillies, that closed a year ago – it failed financially.  Now after a slight rejig to its offer of drinks and cakes (though not by making it cheaper!!), it is vibey and popular again. 

What does this tell us in these interesting economic times?

In consulting it is clearly the case that not everyone or every company is equally affected by the European recession in the same way.  And some sectors and locations, even in the UK, are booming.

Can you think of some small and/or significant changes to help you make 2012 a ‘wow’ for your business/organisation/career?

How can you change your offer – in subtle ways (eg how you run the cake shop) or significant ways (eg getting into the top end restaurant business in our capital city!)?

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The Need to Diversify

Plan No Comments

When the Eden Project opened there was a massive local boom. Evidently now, in recessionary times, many have decided they only need to visit just once.  The impact on the local community is seen in decreasing house prices and less tourists.

So…?

An annual admission is the same as a single visit price.

They are diversifying…

– With music events (including heavy dance artist)

– Education – for adults as well as children

– And with health activities – such as tutored walks for those with heart and breathing difficulties.

Do you need to diversity?  What could you do?

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Rockford Files

Reflect No Comments

Do you recall the starting titles to the Rockford Files :

“This is Jim Rockford, at the tone leave your name and message and I will get back to you…”.

And do you notice now how few answerphone messages you receive on your landline?

Technology changes around us – often imperceptibly. In the early 70s an answer phone message (and wired phone in a car) was uber cool…and now totally usurped by mini phones that can Bluetooth to anything, and texting and messaging that is used to keep in touch from anywhere…

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Email: phil.hadridge@idenk.com