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Português do Brasil THE KAIZEN METHOD FOR ENTREPRENEURS. SUCCESSIVE APPROXIMATIONS
KAIZEN is a methodology for managing emotions, which consists of giving small steps in a steady way to face big challenges. When we are able to stop and realise what we have to face, if we do it through very small actions that we do not perceive as an overly ambitious challenge, we can make that fear positive, that is to say, we can make the fear of the fear that we have to face a positive one. pushes you to face a certain challenge but does not paralyse you.
One of the most important features of the Kaizen method is that big results come from many small changes accumulated over time. It consists of four stages that have to be carried out successively and in a certain order, so that each of them has a previous and a subsequent one.
This cycle does not end, but must continue indefinitely.
Have you heard this saying? "walk slowly, you're in a hurry".
Well, that's more or less what the Kaizen Method does for you. Do you want to find out how this continuous improvement system contributes to your business? Then read on.
Typically, we are busy and have a lot of things to do, which seem too big to accomplish in the time required. Under these circumstances We are paralysed because we want to solve everything NOW!
That emotion that the entrepreneur suffers is the one that keeps you from making progress in your venture. The Kaizen Method can help you
What is Kaizen?
Kai-zen is a Japanese word for change and wisdom. Its creator Masaaki Imai sees the Kaizen method as a process of continuous improvement based on small steps to achieve big things.
It is a philosophy that you can apply to life and business. For people who are used to a dynamic, fast-paced life with big solutions to big problems, it seems a very slow and ineffective method.
But tell me; do you prefer to be paralysed by your emotions, or do you prefer to start small and then tackle everything?
Do you think you are not paralysed?
Robert Maurer considers that the Kaizen method is in the frequency of our biological condition, as it our brain rejects major changes by offering resistance, all unconsciously.
The Kaizen method also works for stressful moments, see this illustration. Note the final solution:
Sound like resistance to change?
So do I, and the resistance to change is simply due to the fact that we have fear of failure. So, if you consider small steps, which are constant and with a clear direction, the brain will be happy to compute and you will feel motivation in a cumulative way.
The principle of the Kaizen Method is: "a series of small, continuous improvements is better and easier to achieve than a single large change". Short, simple steps will unconsciously lead you to action, and if you do this consistently, the results will be much better because the changes you make will become permanent actions.
Example of the Kaizen method in everyday life
Note that the Kaizen method suits me very well at the moment, because I need to learn Portuguese in a short time. A fortnight ago I started thinking about what it means to learn another language in a short period of time, I was practically paralysed, and I almost "threw in the towel".
But then I came to my senses and started setting short goals for myself every day. The progress has been so wonderful that I am now able to read a long text and understand everything.
Look how I approached it:
I am already on the second rung and I feel satisfied and proud. Of course, when I reach my first trophy, I start my ladder again with new goals.
If you've noticed, the Kaizen method is more a philosophy of life and work than a philosophy of work, combined with quality improvement tools, will bring about favourable changes in your venture and will translate into satisfactory results..
What are the benefits of the Kaizen Method for entrepreneurs?
The Western method is focused on results. Kaizen looks for improvements in processes, making the changes you want to implement more manageable. If you go slowly, you can observe the details. So it allows you to identify the errors and elements that do not add value to your venture and you can eliminate them.
By correcting errors and reducing obstacles in the production of goods and services, you increase the level of customer satisfaction.
- You reduce waiting times.
- Improvements in the quality levels of products and services.
Like all philosophy, it must be transmitted and practised by the team members. This increases the degree of commitment with your venture.
Do you optimise problem solving?
The road to success is travelled with the application of small, constant, continuous steps in the improvement of processes and activities. Slow down dear entrepreneur and start applying the Kaizen method in your life and in your business and you will see the difference.
KAIZEN IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF YOUR COMPANY
A few years ago (quite a few!), when product defect rates were high, when a high level of quality was the exception and aspects such as support services or service level agreements (SLAs) could be greatly improved, efforts focused on improving quality.
Approaches such as continuous improvement, kaizen, ISO 9001 etc. were designed so that the organisation's processes would focus on producing products or services of the highest possible quality... and, all of this, in order to improve customer satisfaction, i.e. the objective view that the customer had of the services or products received (cost-benefit ratio). Without going any further...
...most organisations devised various methods, including the famous "customer satisfaction questionnaires" to find out what customers thought about qualitative or quantitative aspects of their relationship with the organisation, for example:
- Ease of use of the product.
- Correct packaging.
- Adequate telephone support.
- Value for money.
All these aspects were used to compile a picture of how the customer rationally viewed the relationship with the company and where the company needed to improve further.
This approach, as logical as it may seem, I think there is only one word to describe it today: NOT ENOUGH!!!!
In the "good old days" it was still possible to differentiate ourselves by the quality of our products or services, but this attribute is becoming more homogenised in the market, and most organisations start from a very high level of quality in their value proposition. Except in very specific cases, it is difficult to put two products side by side and differentiate which one is significantly better than the other.
TASK
Now that you are clearer about the KAIZEN method, reflect and apply it:
- Think of a big challenge that you can't meet because it is too big and break it down into smaller, more achievable challenges that lead to the big challenge.
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