Take the easy way out

A word, or reminder, about improvements.

When we think improvements, we are almost always pulled toward the most complex, thorniest problem. And, not surprisingly, it is quite difficult to come up with a solution.

Instead I want to push you to think about the opposite of this approach. What is the quickest and easiest way I can do my work, or approach an issue? This may mean taking just the smallest, or first aspect of a major issue, even if it seems trivial. And instead of searching for a perfect solution, just ask yourself the following “what is the easiest way to get this done?”. And then start. By following the quick and easy formula you will unearth a lot more ideas, a lot more improvements and you will see things get going. Improvements and ideas are as much an action or a habit as it is a thing. By looking for quick and easy ideas you can build a lot of momentum towards success. Also, because they are small, and easily done by you and your team, you can get past internal resistance that accompanies so much change. When we look at a huge problem, we can feel overwhelmed with the enormity of the challenge. Quick and easy solutions allow us to get past that resistance and start doing. And once you start going, then you will see it is harder to stop than keep going.

A few of the basic rules for quick and easy improvements is

1) Internal: You should be able to do the improvement yourself (no need for outside help or approval – if you need that your idea is too complicated, it may be a good idea … but a different type of good idea)

2) Focus on ease: It should make your work easier. An improvement that will help you or your people do a task quicker and easier.

3) Quantity first: The goal is continual quantity – that will build quality. Because these are small and easy solutions to implement, their impact will be seen quickly and if they do not work they can be rolled back. Perfection should not be a goal.

4) Think small: Remember easy is the goal here – the smaller and faster the scope of solution the quicker and easier it will be

5) Purposeful Be aware of the improvements and what you are trying to do. Without this you are in trouble. Ann improvement without awareness of it or purpose is a formula for chaos. With awareness and purpose, you have a powerful tool in your hands.

So take a few moments today or tomorrow, and look for ways to make things easier. If you were to simply look with your team and find 5 quick and easy improvement every week or so it would take no time to see a huge impact on your work. “Taking the easy way out “ often implies a cop out. I just wanted to remind everyone that in the right context it can also be a great strategy for improvement.