The Kaizen Philosophy: Simple, Sustainable, Successful

Kaizen comes from the Japanese words "kai" which means "change" and "zen" which means "good.” It refers to a philosophy of continuous improvement that is soft and gradual, rather than radical and disruptive. Kaizen focuses on finding common sense, low-cost solutions to problems in productivity, customer service, human resources management and marketing and communications.

Implementing changes based on the Kaizen Method

In order to make continuous improvements in productivity, worker performance and client satisfaction, you, as a leader, must:

• Be willing to let go of the status quo. Don’t make excuses for why a longstanding practice isn’t working. Remember that your goal is to continually improve processes, not defend ideas that don’t work anymore.

• Realize that creative ideas beget even more new creative ideas. Even bad ideas can be the start of good ideas. During brainstorming sessions, record every new idea, no matter how impractical it may seem.

• Be an endless source of support and encouragement. Find ways to acknowledge and celebrate your team as they try new ways of doing things.

• Promote laughter, healthy humor and playfulness during brainstorming sessions. Although you may be working on complex, serious problems, laughter in the workplace has been proven to promote creative thinking.

• Lead by example. Correct your mistakes immediately and take responsibility for any errors that you’ve made. Support your team to do the same. Cultivate an environment of support and encouragement, not blame and finger-pointing

• Stop seeking absolute perfection. Instead, congratulate yourself and your co-workers for trying something new.

• Work collaboratively with others. Instead of seeking the advice of one “expert,” ask your staff for their ideas. Host a brainstorming session and get everyone involved in finding a solution.

• Avoid throwing money at the problem. Rely on your own and your team’s experience and insights to solve the problem before spending money on pricey new tools, equipment or external consultants . The Kaizen method is about finding simple, cost-effective solutions. If a consultant is needed, do hire one, but not before you have drawn on your team’s inner resources and strengths first.

The Kaizen method can help your organization make sustainable, high quality improvements to daily operations without putting an added strain on your staff time or marketing budgets.