BrazilContinuous Improvement as a blueprint for business excellence
A growing number of organisations are adopting Continuous Improvement to streamline their operations and enhance their value to customers. A discussion with experts from GGC on why and how the approach serves as a blueprint for business excellence.
Continuous Improvement (CI) is a practice that aims to improve processes and workflows on an ongoing basis. Originally concepted in Japan, where it is known as Kaizen, Continuous Improvement aims to build a culture with a never-ending focus on identifying and eliminating the root causes of problems that reduce efficiency or erode customer value.
The method revolves around delivering incremental improvements with speed, rather than one drastic change.
“At its core, Continuous Improvement isn’t simply a set of tools or methodologies; it’s a journey towards building a culture of performance. This journey is guided by shared values and relentless pursuit of excellence, making Continuous Improvement more than just a set of tools but a way of working, a way of life within the organization,” highlighted Riyadh-based management consultancy GGC.
Based on GGC’s experience in helping clients achieve Continuous Improvement, the firm has identified five foundational pillars of the approach:
Vision and Goals Alignment
Every member of the team, from the boardroom to the frontline, must share a clear understanding of where the company is headed and why continuous improvement is crucial to reaching that destination.
Workplace Standards
Define consistent practices and benchmarks for every aspect of operation, ensuring quality and efficiency are woven into the fabric of everyday work.
Employees Empowerment
Provide training, resources, and opportunities for all employees to participate in identifying and implementing improvements. A culture of open communication and feedback is essential to unleash their potential.
Supportive Leadership
Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a Cl culture, providing guidance and support to ensure its successful implementation.
Proven Improvement Systems
The integration of effective improvement systems (such as 5S/6S, Six Sigma) is vital for short-term gains but must be complemented by a broader cultural shift for long-term success.
Making the transition
While a focus on tools and systems can yield initial gains, GGC said that it is important to consider Continuous Improvement more than just a technical exercise. “It is a fundamental shift in organizational culture, requiring dedication and adaptation from all levels. Sustainability hinges on fully integrating Continuous Improvement into the way things are done, as opposed to implementing the approach for temporary fixes.”
Bringing Continuous Improvement into practice however requires a comprehensive approach, one that the experts describe as system-holistic. “It is not just a strategy concepted at the top, and it is not just a change in operational procedures on the work floor,” said GGC.
To successfully embed Continuous Improvement into the culture, change needs to be realised in strategy, governance, processes, systems, people, and culture. Meanwhile, these factors are interlinked, meaning that harmony in approach and progress is required across the different pillars.
If delivered successfully, Continuous Improvement unlocks numerous benefits. Companies across industries, from manufacturing giants to dedicated service providers, have witnessed impressive results, propelling their operations to peak performance levels.
A recent research for instance found that excellence in Continuous Improvement can deliver a ROI of 6:1 for certain companies, with benefits impacting both top line and bottom line results. Even in more unconventional environments for Continuous Improvement (such as services environments), the principles of Continuous Improvement can lead to optimal efficiency and value delivery.
In his work with clients, GGC advises to take a long-term perspective on Continuous Improvement, in order to reap its full potential. “Continuous Improvement is a path towards sustainable excellence. By investing in their people, cultivating a culture of shared purpose, fostering participation, and embracing the principles of Continuous Improvement, organizations can propel themselves toward sustainable excellence.”
“The journey begins with understanding that Continuous Improvement is not a destination, but an ongoing journey towards perpetual improvement and organizational brilliance,” the experts concluded.
