How to Sustain Process Improvements Over Time

Essential to any successful process improvement initiative is sustainability. As I often say, operations is designed to be indefinite. Process improvement is not a one-time thing.

You can never say, “I improve a process and I’m done. I can wash my hands of it.” You can never just wake up next Monday or next quarter and be like I never have to improve.

The key to successful process improvement doesn’t come from merely building something good. It comes from improving tiny little things over time, continuously changing for the better, and making process improvement your culture–a permanent part of your organization.

Here are some tips to ensure sustained process improvements:

Focus on small incremental changes

Instead of making big changes, focus on small gradual changes. The power of process improvement is in the accumulation of small improvements over time. Moreover, making small and achievable changes builds momentum and morale.

Solving problems that are too big to be solved in 30 days can demotivate your team. Focusing on small changes allows your team to reap the benefits of their small wins right away. This gives them the motivation and confidence to rally behind your process improvement efforts.

Solve problems that cost nothing

To help you focus your efforts on things that are the least expensive and drive the most ROI in the shortest amount of time, apply problem prioritization. There are many ways to improve processes and solve problems without spending money. By solving problems and pursuing ideas that are inexpensive, you can remove the financial barriers to your process improvement efforts.

Communicate progress and celebrate successes

Share the progress made with your team and celebrate successes to build momentum and maintain motivation. High employee engagement is crucial to the success and sustainability of your process improvement efforts.

When employees see and feel the fruits of their efforts and have positive feelings about your process improvement initiative, they’re going to want to put in extra effort to…