Focus on the User and all else will follow. This is the first in a list of ‘ten things we know to be true’ that was developed by Google in its early days. Focussing on the user led Google to improve the speed of searching despite concerns that it would reduce the time users spent…
DetailsIn the days before GPS, sailors would use the North Star to find their way across the seas. It is still used by hikers and outdoorsy types to help them find their way when lost – those with no access to an app or star atlas can find it by using constellations as a guide.…
DetailsDeveloping a strategy is the easy bit – implementing it effectively (aka strategy deployment) can seem like a far harder challenge! We can all say we want to grow our business by a certain amount, make it more profitable, or expand into new markets – but what does this really mean, and how do we…
DetailsSystems Thinking is described by Peter Senge as “a discipline for seeing wholes rather than parts, for seeing patterns of change rather than static snapshots, and for understanding the subtle interconnectedness that gives (living) systems their unique character”. Systems Thinking examples include ecosystems, cars and human bodies as well as organisations! Systems Thinkers have taught…
DetailsThere are plenty of tools and techniques in the Continuous Improvement toolkit to support different thinking and creativity, and it has long been maintained that equipping and engaging people in improvement activities is an essential CI principle. Indeed failure to use the talent and imagination of people has been recognised as one of the quintessential…
DetailsWe can probably all think about being more efficient ourselves. What do you want to save? The answer that’s likely to come to mind first is saving time. According to the adage, ‘time means money’ – so perhaps it could ultimately come down to money. But what exactly is involved in becoming more efficient and what does…
Details“To measure is to know”, stated physicist, mathematician and problem solver Lord Kelvin. “If you can not measure it, you can not improve it”. This clearly applies to measuring operational efficiency – without appropriate measures in place, how much can we really know about performance and efficiency, and how do we know if continuous improvement activities,…
DetailsImage produced by Sophie Smiles. Click here to find out more. Becoming a Transformation Maestro with Agile Once upon a time you could build a 5-year strategic plan and deliver it. Now for many organisations, even the idea of planning an annual budget would require a crystal ball – such is the pace of change.…
DetailsThis Sunday, every single person in the UK will unite and take action, with a clearly defined and common purpose. We have done so twice a year since 1916, with a couple of exceptions. Amazing – the fact that people, all of the people, will mobilise and co-operate to change something as ubiquitous and vital…
DetailsIncreasingly often these days we get greeted with the phrase “May you live in ‘interesting’ times”. Then we may pause a minute to think whether that was meant as a constructive positive wish – or whether there was something deeper meant by it. ‘Interesting’ sometimes seems more to mean ‘turbulent times’ rather than ‘fascinating’. Either…
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