‘The Latte Factor’ is a term used by financial author David Bach to describe the tiny expenditures we make, frequently and without thought, on things that don’t add value. These add up! If we saved or invested the small amounts we pay for our daily coffee, says Bach, we could be wealthier. It brings…
Continuous improvement (CI) is not about tools, techniques and projects applied as a formula, it’s about principles and behaviours. The tools and methods of CI themselves, whilst important, too often become the goal itself, rather than the means, leading to a disconnection from the original (higher) purpose and hence fragmentation and disillusionment. Consequently CI,…
As the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics have demonstrated, unlocking our own potential, and that of others, must rank as one of the most powerful and inspiring human experiences. This takes on even greater significance when the achievements exceed, even ‘smash through’, our often unconscious expectations or assumptions. Lean Six Sigma tools like Assumption Busting…
The Paralympians in Rio have demonstrated undoubtedly this summer that they are capable of incredible things. To cite but a few phenomenal achievements, four Paralympians ran the 1500m quicker than the Olympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds who won her first gold at age 13 has won even more medals and become the first SM6 swimmer…
Team GB’s outstanding performance certainly helps dispel the myth that the UK can’t flourish after Brexit. So what can businesses do to keep winning gold medals? A good start would be to recognise that much of what the athletes are putting into practice are the Continuous Improvement thinking and techniques of Lean Six Sigma.…
Surveying the wreckage of my son’s bedroom after a rainy school holiday day – and actually the living room, kitchen and hallway if we’re going to be honest here – I made a resolution this week to start practicing what I preach. Time for some serious 5S action! 5S is a method of workplace organisation…
The debating and decision made last week brings to mind a tool that is used in Lean Six Sigma projects, and any other project, to determine what is In and what is Out of scope. One of the most important things to have in place when starting a project is a clear scope. Without this, it…
[box]Martin’s articles have been published in: ILM, 12th July 2016 Growth Business, 18th July 2016 HRM Guide, 11th August 2016 Fresh Business Thinking, 16th August 2016[/box] The result of the recent Brexit referendum in the UK came as a complete shock for many people who had been expecting ‘Remain’ to win which of course would…
Here at Catalyst we love Christmas, from the first door on the advent calendar to the last mince pie, we like to feel that its fleeting nature is one of the things which helps to make it special. Mentioning Christmas and Santa brings us to the key point of this seasonal blog, and it’s all…
Don’t be put off by the title at the top of this seasonal post. We haven’t come over all ‘Bah humbug’ and decided to lecture everybody on the most efficient way to cook their Brussel sprouts (a quick tip though – don’t bother cutting a cross in the base as it’s a process step which doesn’t…
