Observation is among the most important steps in any evaluation of a process that may perhaps need to be changed. Observation of the process and every one of the steps involved both before and after that process. You cannot just look at one particular process, you need to know what context to place it in, and in that way you need to know how everything works together. You can examine the spec sheets, the standard operating procedures and all of the instructions on how the processes are supposed to work together and alone.
But unless you go out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you'll never know precisely how they work. How is it that one employee can put together or build a part much quicker than another member of staff? It could be that the employee is just more motivated or faster or maybe just more experienced, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something which saves effort and time that nobody has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is omitting a step that he or she isn't conscious that they are skipping. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later analysis, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may be a bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That's not to say they are wanting to hide anything or dislike being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some men and women. That's why it is also essential to consider their feelings and well being. You want to make them so stressed that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them at ease, try and introduce yourself ahead of the initial observation stage, get to know each individual a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance before the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you are there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, just sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit stressful for some men and women. Just remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it's done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
But unless you go out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you'll never know precisely how they work. How is it that one employee can put together or build a part much quicker than another member of staff? It could be that the employee is just more motivated or faster or maybe just more experienced, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something which saves effort and time that nobody has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is omitting a step that he or she isn't conscious that they are skipping. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later analysis, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may be a bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That's not to say they are wanting to hide anything or dislike being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some men and women. That's why it is also essential to consider their feelings and well being. You want to make them so stressed that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them at ease, try and introduce yourself ahead of the initial observation stage, get to know each individual a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance before the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you are there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, just sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit stressful for some men and women. Just remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it's done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
About the Author:
One of the best things that you can do for your company is incorporate the six sigma process. You can read information on lean six sigma as well as the various levels by visiting mbajournal.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment