Observation is among the most important steps in any evaluation of a process that may perhaps need to be changed. Observation of the process and every one of the steps involved both before and after that process. You cannot just look at one particular process, you need to know what context to place it in, and in that way you need to know how everything works together. You can examine the spec sheets, the standard operating procedures and all of the instructions on how the processes are supposed to work together and alone.
But until you step out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you will never know precisely how they work. How is it that one worker can put together or build a part faster than another staff member? It could be that the worker is simply more enthusiastic or quicker or maybe just more skillful, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something that saves time and effort that nobody else has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is omitting a step that he or she isn't conscious that they are skipping. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later analysis, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may be a bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That's not to say they are trying to hide anything or do not like being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some people. That is why it is also important to take into consideration their feelings and well being. You want to make them so anxious that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them at ease, try and introduce yourself ahead of the initial observation phase, get to know each individual a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance before the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you are there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, just sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit stressful for some men and women. Just remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it's done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
But until you step out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you will never know precisely how they work. How is it that one worker can put together or build a part faster than another staff member? It could be that the worker is simply more enthusiastic or quicker or maybe just more skillful, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something that saves time and effort that nobody else has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is omitting a step that he or she isn't conscious that they are skipping. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later analysis, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may be a bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That's not to say they are trying to hide anything or do not like being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some people. That is why it is also important to take into consideration their feelings and well being. You want to make them so anxious that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them at ease, try and introduce yourself ahead of the initial observation phase, get to know each individual a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance before the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you are there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, just sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit stressful for some men and women. Just remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it's done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
About the Author:
One of the best things that you can do for your company is incorporate the six sigma process. You can locate information on lean six sigma in addition to the various levels by visiting mbajournal.org.
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