Observation is one of the most important steps in any evaluation of a process that might need to be changed. Observation of the process and each one of the steps involved before and after that process. You can't merely look at a single process, you have to know what context to place it in, and in that way you ought to know how everything works together. You can go through the spec sheets, the standard operating procedures and all of the guidelines on how the processes were made to work together and alone.
But until you step out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you will never know precisely how they work. How is it that one worker can put together or build a part faster than another staff member? It could be that the worker is simply more enthusiastic or quicker or maybe just more skillful, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something that saves time and effort that nobody else has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is skipping a step that he or she isn't aware that they're bypassing. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later investigation, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may perhaps be a little bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That's not to say they are wanting to hide anything or dislike being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some men and women. That's why it is also essential to consider their feelings and well being. You want to make them so stressed that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them at ease, try and introduce yourself ahead of the initial observation stage, get to know each individual a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance before the observation day because when you just show up and announce that you are there to observe, or worse yet, do not even say anything to them, just sulk around in the distance making notes, it is easy to see why it can be a little bit stressful for some people. Just remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it is done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
But until you step out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you will never know precisely how they work. How is it that one worker can put together or build a part faster than another staff member? It could be that the worker is simply more enthusiastic or quicker or maybe just more skillful, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something that saves time and effort that nobody else has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is skipping a step that he or she isn't aware that they're bypassing. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later investigation, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may perhaps be a little bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That's not to say they are wanting to hide anything or dislike being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some men and women. That's why it is also essential to consider their feelings and well being. You want to make them so stressed that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them at ease, try and introduce yourself ahead of the initial observation stage, get to know each individual a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance before the observation day because when you just show up and announce that you are there to observe, or worse yet, do not even say anything to them, just sulk around in the distance making notes, it is easy to see why it can be a little bit stressful for some people. Just remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it is done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
About the Author:
A great way to eliminate waste in your business is to implement a 6 sigma. six sigma training has proven successful in removing waste and increase productivity and profit. To learn more log onto mbajournal.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment