How improvement can make things worse!

In many companies where I am involved as an advisor or consultant, managing improvement is an inherent part of running the business. A common mistake executives make while trying to manage improvement is that they localize their improvement focus and don’t connect their improvement efforts to the organization as a whole. The net effect of such an approach is that it lowers the performance of the organization as a whole. Ironically, making improvements, makes things worse!

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“Improvement must be focused on what you want, not on what you don’t want.” Russell Ackoff

Many executives who are engaged in leading improvement initiatives like lean six sigma or operational excellence, are focused on eliminating defects and waste. They mistakenly believe that removing defects and waste lead to improving the performance of their company. But removing defects and waste, does not automatically mean you get what you want!

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