The Five Keys to Continuous Improvement

This book is written for the tens of thousands of individuals (ranging from senior leaders to the front line) charged with leading continuous improvement efforts for their business, organization, or association. Regardless of the improvement program or tools your organization chooses, this book is a must read for successful implementation, sustainability and growth. WHY WE WROTE THIS BOOK: 'SOLVING THE PUZZLE'Over the last decade we worked with a client at two matching "sister sites" implementing continuous improvement philosophies and practices. One site became the company's North American model for continuous improvement, while the other site struggled with poor or mediocre performance, higher safety violations, and greater turnover. How could that be? Why were results so dissimilar? To discover the answers, we have analyzed similarities and differences. Through trial and error, we introduced alternative strategies, designs, methods, and tools, and over time, zeroed in on those specific aspects of continuous improvement we found most critical for sustainable success. The Five Keys FOCUS OF THE BOOKRoots: In our decades of leading improvement efforts, we've identified some well-known and some lesser-known concepts and models that we have found to be both foundational and requisite in our work with a variety of clients. This knowledge underpins aspects of continuous improvement typically overlooked and/or misunderstood and will contribute to your success. The Five Keys: These five have repeatedly proven to be the most impactful elements in founding a culture of continuous improvement. Each is equally important. They overlap and work together in concert and all five are necessary in creating of a vibrant and enduring improvement focused culture. The Five Keys are: Leadership, Engagement, Goal Alignment, Accountability and Resources. Fixes: Every Continuous Improvement leader will inevitably encounter push-back, disappointment, setbacks and even failures. Your ability to manage and resolve these challenges will be enhanced as we provide time-tested approaches and remedies to several common obstacles. BENEFITSThis book provides the essential knowledge, skills and tools to avoid common pitfalls and confidently lead improvement initiatives in any organization.