We are going from understanding the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to learning the quality improvement process that has taken Toyota and many others to success for decades.
STEP ONE taught us to clarify the problem, STEP TWO helps us break down the problem so we can understand it an start thinking of countermeasures. As we have been able to learn, problem-solving has gone from general to specific. We have a big problem that is becoming bigger by the day and we cannot solve it unless we understand the parts of the problem, and make a commitment to focus on what is needed to move forward more concretely.
STEP THREE will train us to focus on what it takes to solve the problems. Let's see what it's all about...
STEP THREE - Set the Target
Step three is all about making a commitment and focusing. Attention goes from the problem and its parts to what we need to do to tackle it. This is the time to zoom in and do something about it.
STEP THREE is all about commitment and focus. Your attention should now turn towards focusing on what is needed to complete the project and how long it will take to finish.
The goal is to set targets that are challenging but within limits. Stay away from putting a strain on the organization because this will hinder the improvement process.
Again, STEP THREE is the time for Commitment and Focus. This is the time to turn to what is needed to complete the project and how long will it take. Set target dates that challenge the coworkers, but don't hinder other improvement efforts.
We have learned to clarify the problem and to break it down in smaller pieces, but now it's time to determine what is needed to tackle it and how long it will take.
Summing it all up, setting the target involves the following:
1. What do I need to complete this problem-solving project? 2. How long will it take to finish
APPLICATION:
Remember that shoe returns problem from the previous step? Now, that you pinpointed the problem:
1. Are you ready to brainstorm what will be needed to complete the problem?
2. Can you set challenging but feasible deadlines?
Please share your comments below.