Page 4 - FLL Virtual Binder 2018

What is Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement is a way of thinking; a way of approaching your work with an overwhelming curiosity to learn and improve. Many of the continuous improvement (C.I.) practices come from the Lean philosophy. Lean is about simplicity, flow, visibility, partnership, and value. It is not a part of what we do or something extra we do; it is the way we do. It is an embedded culture of understanding the customers’ needs, continually striving to reduce waste and optimizing the performance of process, people and infrastructure.
Continuous Improvement
ü Improves business performance using simple, practical tools and techniques to enhance quality, cost, delivery and people contribution.
ü Exposes the wastes in the system
ü Not a ‘bolt-on’ technique, more a way of life leading to a change in culture
ü Is a characteristic of high performing companies
Leading in a Continuous Improvement Environment is about:
• Engaging people in working toward a common goal
• Working collaboratively
• Leading from ‘in front’ to set and example and clarify priorities; leading from
‘behind’ to encourage and support others to be successful
• Asking quality questions to generate ideas, thinking, and growing
Continuous Improvement thinking seeks high performance through the elimination of waste and the adoption of five principles:
Principle 1
Define Value from the customer’s perspective.
Each process contains value-added and non-value-added activities.The activities
need to be identified and grouped into three categories:
Five Principles of C.I. Thinking
Front Line Leadership: Continuous Improvement
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