To develop changes that result in improvement, we often need to change our normal thought patterns. To do this, several methods can be useful: challenge the boundaries, rearrange the order of the steps, look for ways to smooth the flow of work, evaluate the purpose and challenge why you are doing something, visualize the ideal, and remove the current way of doing things as an option.
Challenge the Boundaries: People can be limited in their thinking by the boundaries they impose in a particular situation. To challenge these boundaries, begin by listing the boundaries within which a change must occur. Many times, the boundaries define the current system or how people view it. Real changes to the system are often outside the original constraints. Once the boundaries are listed, think about how they can be expanded, or even eliminated.
Rearrange the Order of the Steps: List the activities involved in a process in order, and then move them around. Seeing the steps in another order can provoke ideas for change that the regular order prevents. This idea is really a subset of the first idea, because the order in which things are done is a boundary. It is worth mentioning separately because it is so simple to do and often produces new ideas.
Look for Ways to Smooth the Flow of Work: Fluctuation in flow of work causes a ripple effect in all other aspects of the system. When flow is smoothed, things can get done more predictably.
Evaluate the Purpose, and Challenge Why You Are Doing Something: Take a close look at the reason activities are being performed. This approach often produces ideas for change such as eliminating steps that are not vital to the purpose. When people have been involved in an activity for a long time, it is found that steps often have been added to the process or system that were needed at one time but are no longer necessary.
Visualize the Ideal: Describing aspects of the situation in an ideal state can generate new ideas for change. The phrase "Wouldn't it be nice if . . ." is an example of a visualization that can start the formation of ideas.
Remove the Current Way of Doing Things as an Option: New ideas for change are needed if the current system is not an alternative. Begin by understanding the current system. Then declare that a part or all of the current way of doing things can no longer be used. Let people explore the possible alternatives.
It is helpful, when using the approaches suggested here or others to develop a change, that people are optimistic in first exploring the possibilities. There will be time to express critical thinking as the ideas for change are further developed.
Langley, Gerald J.; Moen, Ronald D.; Nolan, Kevin M.; Nolan, Thomas W.; Norman, Clifford L.; Provost, Lloyd P. (2009-06-03). The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance (JOSSEY-BASS BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SERIES) (Kindle Locations 1029-1031). Wiley Publishing. Kindle Edition.
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