We are not perfect. I know, shocking, right? That is why there are processes and procedures. That is why you
have a team. Let’s say you made a decision that did not work out perfectly. Assess and redirect course. It is never the first mistake that defeats the goal, it is multiple bad decisions or what I call the “Yarn path”.
Problem Solving
Practice Makes Perfect, “almost”
Negative words regarding perseverance always surprise me. We celebrate musicians (Yo-Yo Ma), sport superstars (Michael Jordan), and novelists (J.K. Rowling) – all of whom persevered to get to their respective top.
Urgency is the key that unlocks longevity
You cannot do everything in a single moment nor should you try. However, a sense of urgency means focusing on the right thing at the right time in the right cadence. Simple, right? Well, not exactly.
Squeaky Wheels and Greasy Solutions.
But what if the real problem, the foundational problem, is overlooked because the “grease” hides what’s really wrong, what needs to be fixed. Or worse, there is only so much “grease” (i.e., time, money, resources) and it is all used up on the squeaky wheel…
One small step for “you”, One giant step for those around you.
In the thick of business decisions aimed at fixing disruption, to attack in-the-minute problems, when timing is critical – focus on the probable. It is the filter that will let you be more right more often. Focusing on the possible will tie you like an anchor to indecision.
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe… it’s a Pareto!
One tool I use is a Pareto chart. Based on what you deem as important (y-axis), it sorts highest to lowest. By focusing on those at the left, you get a bigger bang for your effort.
Multi-tasking and Problem Solving Don’t Mix
There is just one problem with that, ok, actually there are many problems with that. You now have NO idea what “thing” fixed the issue, or if all three changes just made it worse. So much for sleeping tonight as you lay awake in bed pondering a new potential outcome.
Could Columbo solve this manufacturing “whodunit”?
Some of the paths may just be correlated (not the real issue). However until you lay it all out, the complexity of the moment can become an emotionally charged powder keg.
Why 5-Whys Equals 1 Answer (And yes, I’ve checked the math)
One of the tools in “corrective actions” is answering the “5-whys”. It is a wonderful tool to really understand the path that caused the failure. Here are a few things that can make this tool even more successful for you…
Is Your Manufacturing Performance Causal, Correlated or Corrected?
Over the next few weeks, I want to explore some of the building blocks of corrective actions, things like 5 whys, PDCAs, 8Ds, fish bone, 4Ms.
Leadership, and Then Some
This blog focuses on things that make a manufacturing team strong and healthy.
Meet the author.