Observation is one of the most important steps in any evaluation of a process that might need to be changed. Observation of the process and each one of the steps involved before and after that process. You can't merely look at a single process, you have to know what context to place it in, and in that way you ought to know how everything works together. You can go through the spec sheets, the standard operating procedures and all of the guidelines on how the processes were made to work together and alone.
But unless you go out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you'll never know precisely how they work. How is it that one employee can put together or build a part much quicker than another member of staff? It could be that the employee is just more motivated or faster or maybe just more experienced, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something which saves effort and time that nobody has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is skipping a step that he or she isn't aware that they're bypassing. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later investigation, 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 perhaps be a little 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 prior to the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you happen to be there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, simply sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit nerve-racking for some men and women. 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 unless you go out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you'll never know precisely how they work. How is it that one employee can put together or build a part much quicker than another member of staff? It could be that the employee is just more motivated or faster or maybe just more experienced, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something which saves effort and time that nobody has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is skipping a step that he or she isn't aware that they're bypassing. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later investigation, 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 perhaps be a little 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 prior to the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you happen to be there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, simply sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit nerve-racking for some men and women. 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:
A great way to eliminate waste in your business is to implement a 6 sigma. six sigma training has proven successful in removing waste and increase productivity and profit. To learn more go to mbajournal.org.
