Effective vs. Efficient – When it Comes to Defining Quality
Many people confuse effectiveness with efficiency. Organizations strive to be more efficient and in doing so, forget about how effective their actions really are. It should not come as a surprise that often the price for greater efficiency is less effectiveness. One of the first steps to take is to understand what efficiency and effectiveness mean….
The Cost of Complexity
Recently, whilst working with the Global Planning Team of a major oil company, we were asked, “What is the cost of complexity and what is the effective range on this cost?” At one level, the answer is easy; “It is the cost associated with having more than one customer and product. The more complex the supply chain, the…
Managing Expenses in a Six Sigma Way
Many of us have experienced the pinch of money from time to time. We earn a greater income, yet our expenses seem to be proportionally scaling to the same heights, regardless of inflation, cost of living and other exceptions. It’s not just being frugal that can minimize our expenses – money management is just as, if…
Rudyard Kipling; Adventurer, Author, Poet… And a Pioneer of Operational Excellence
From time to time, I enjoy a good read of “the classics”. I am not certain why the classics are not taught in grade-school anymore – it is a shame. There are so many basic life-lessons that transcend the ages and generations and can be gleaned with grand richness from the tales of literary greats such…
Calling Their Baby “Ugly”
Sooner or later in your consulting career, you will find yourself in the somewhat awkward position of having to listen to a client proudly describe what you are sure is the worst conceived performance intervention you have ever heard. Imagine, it has taken you months to get them this excited about anything. You listen in horror…
Continuous Improvement: A Fighter Pilot’s Culture of Performance
Companies of any size can reap the rewards of a fighter pilot’s Culture of Performance by driving a culture focused on performance and execution. A rapidly changing environment isn’t a phenomenon that only fighter pilots face. Increasing health, energy, and education costs combined with increasing global competition, developing a strong Culture of Performance is essential for…