Let’s start at the beginning. What is Continuous Improvement (CI)?
CI is a process that consists of a series of consistent small action steps that create incremental progress and forward motions — or real change. That is to say, CI systems increase effectiveness and efficiency. Interesting, right?
Continuous Improvement cycles are common in Industry and manufacturing. For instance, companies use the famous Shewhart Cycle or the Deming Cycle, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), to improve product quality, save time and reduce production cost.
Actually, the most famous CI story I know describes how Edwards Deming, father of CI, utilized the principles of continuous improvement or Continual Improvement to bring the Japanese’s economy back to life after World War II. Really?
Yes, indeed. According to Wikipedia:
“Many in Japan credit Deming as one of the inspirations for what has become known as the Japanese post-war economic miracle of 1950 to 1960, when Japan rose from the ashes of war on the road to becoming the second-largest economy in the world through processes partially influenced by the ideas Deming taught.”
What elite performers know about Continuous Improvement
Simply put, elite professionals know CI systems make miracles happen and they use CI to their advantage—to get better at their craft.
To illustrate, Coach Bill Belichick has used CI principles to build a dynasty in New England Patriots and to win 6 Super Bowls. Similarly, Phil Jackson applied CI strategies to win 11 NBA championships.
Why not make CI principles work for you? What’s holding you back? Waiting for good luck?
Waiting is not the right strategy. Instead, applying CI principles will make you luckier in your career. As Thomas Jefferson said, “ I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”
See, I use CI to help professionals look smarter and sharper than their peers, increase savoir-faire, and spend energy on remarkable work. As a result, I make my clients aware that Continuous Improvement is not:
Overnight success
Immediate miracle
One-time win or gain
Winning by chance
Cheating one’s way to success
Faking it
So what’s my point? Here’s what I mean…CI requires intentional action-steps that lead to tangible progress and results. Isn’t that what you want?
My question for you is, “Wouldn’t you want to use CI to escape the job market competition?”
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