I’m Dr. Ashok Puri, today want to discuss a fundamental concept in the Kaizen philosophy: the power of small. Often, we believe monumental changes require equally large actions. However, Kaizen teaches that great improvements come from taking small, consistent steps. This principle applies not just to achieving ambitious goals but also to preventing significant problems by addressing their seemingly insignificant precursors.
Ignoring the Small Can Lead to the Disastrous:
The passage highlights this through various examples:
- Toyota’s assembly line: Before Ohno’s innovation, defects went unnoticed until the end, causing delays and rework. Empowering workers to stop the line for minor issues prevented larger problems later, demonstrating the ripple effect of neglecting small things.
- Ford and Firestone tire failure: Ignoring a seemingly minor issue of one tire failure every three billion miles resulted in tragic consequences and financial losses. This emphasizes the potential for small problems to escalate if left unchecked.
- High-Reliability Organizations (HROs): These organizations, like air traffic control, operate with zero tolerance for errors. They achieve this by diligently identifying and addressing even the slightest warning signs, preventing catastrophic failures.
Developing Your “Small Problem Radar”:
So, how do we become more attuned to these subtle warning signs in our own lives and organizations? Here are some practical exercises:
- Reflect on past mistakes: Think of a major error you made. Did ignoring small warning signs contribute to it?
- Identify a small mistake today: Did you misplace something? Ask yourself if it reflects a larger issue like poor organization.
- Consider how you might be impacting others: Are your actions causing irritation or frustration? This might indicate a need for personal growth.
Applying Kaizen to Everyday Challenges:
By incorporating these exercises, you can develop a “small problem radar” and address them effectively. Here are some specific scenarios:
- Road rage: Instead of letting frustration boil over, identify and address the underlying causes like stress management.
- Job search: If you’re tempted to accept a candidate who doesn’t fully meet the criteria, conduct further evaluations to avoid future problems.
- Pain during exercise: Don’t push through persistent pain. Reduce intensity or consult a healthcare professional to prevent injuries.
- Nagging feeling of something being wrong: Trust your intuition and investigate the source of this feeling before it escalates.
Kaizen and Innovation: A Powerful Combination:
Remember, Kaizen’s small steps aren’t mutually exclusive from innovation. They work together:
- Mastering small steps first helps develop intuition for when innovation is appropriate.
- Combining both approaches equips you to tackle complex problems, even seemingly unsolvable ones.
Kaizen During Personal Crises:
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, major challenges feel overwhelming. However, even in these situations, Kaizen can provide solace and practical assistance:
- Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.
- Focus on what you can control within the larger situation.
- Apply Kaizen techniques to move slowly but steadily towards a solution.
The Power of Recognition:
Organizations that appreciate the importance of addressing small problems are stronger and more competitive. They motivate and energize their people through positive reinforcement, recognizing the value of small wins.
In Conclusion:
Remember, in 90% of cases, major problems have humble beginnings as small issues. Develop your “small problem radar” and embrace the power of small. By consistently addressing these seemingly insignificant challenges, you can prevent major problems and pave the way for great success in your personal and professional life.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s discuss how we can leverage the power of small in our own endeavors and collectively inspire a culture of continuous improvement.
Thank you for reading!
Dr. Ashok Puri
KaizenGuru
