Can process improvement save the world?

[The Cafe Ninja]

Can changing processes save our planet?

Can improving processes save a business?

Can improving processes improve your life?

I certainly believe the answer is yes, but I am The Process Ninja!

What do you think?

[gregpritchard.virtualcio]

Can changing processes save our planet?
Change your business to use electronic versions of documents rather than paper copies - absolutely. Receive faxes electronically, rather than via a paper printer - absolutely.

Can improving processes save a business?
Geez - it depends, but there are broader issues than the proceses. Business strategy, employee motivation and alignment, technology, sales & marketing. Does it contribute to the big picture - absolutely.

Can improving processes improve your life?
Yes and No. Processes for process sake create beauracratic pain without the associated benefit. This is where you need to submit Form 406, with an double-authorised Form 1255, and then provide the requisite supporting documentation. Or you could just go out and buy the pen yourself.

Processes devised to help the business create efficiency, balanced against control and visibility; then sure.

What do you think?
Processes are wholly under-rated. Many businesses don't appreciate the significant benefits that could be realised from improved and documented processes.

Good post, Mr Ninja.

[@HeatherSmithAU]

probably need to include ethical & green in there.

[ic-uc]

In y current role, we are constantly looking at process improvement and lean manufacturing.
Much of this can be utilised in normal business I think. But then like you, Process Ninja, I love lean and improving processes.
I really enjot thinking about fixing and new ways of doing jobs.

If it ain't lean it ain't mean

[ActiveCounselling]

In all cases YES BUT

The "but" is the normal things:
* Make your goals clear
* Ensure results are measurable/obvious
* Ensure everyone understands the improvements so they don't revert back
* Analyse cost/benefit and do the most rewarding improvements first
* Remember costs/benefits are not all financial. Need to think environmental, social, personal, family etc

I love process improvement. I work with it everyday in my counselling, helping people improve their thought processes.

Simple, eloquent and understandable are the ways to go!

[Rachel Reeves]

I agree, yes in all cases. And I also agree that there are some buts.

The main thing that came to mind when thinking of the for and against in relation to process is that other peoples personal needs should be taken into consideration in setting up and maintaining process. There are times when it is best to let something slide, or do something a little different for the sake of a friendship, or for the sake of someones health.

[Paul C]

I agree.

One of my favourite quotes (author unknown) I use in my business is:

"The Stone Age Didn't End Because They Ran Out Of Stones"

seems appropriate for this thread

Cheers
Paul C
R2R Consultancy Services

[The Cafe Ninja]

Thanks all, just to sum up my feelings on this I wrote a little post on my blog:

http://www.theprocessninja.com/proce...s-process.html

Process is in EVERYTHING we do...