During business process mapping, we identify various issues in the process. These issues can be due to bottlenecks, business systems limitations, or lack of training. Many times the Business stakeholders know the solutions to the issues too. As a few of the solutions do not even require any outside intervention. They need minor tweaks that often make a significant impact on the process. Yet, no one takes the initiative to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to make a difference.
Image how much money we are losing due to these inefficiencies.
So, why do even experienced employees not take the initiative to improve the processes continuously? It is a pity to see living with problems when we know their simple solutions too!
I think the following are a few of the reasons that the employees choose the status quo:
- Employees believe – it is not my problem
- They do not want to step on other’s toes
- They do not want to put in extra effort
- They are busy in day to day firefighting
- They delay improvement activities because they can
- There is no incentive for them to take the initiative
- The system discourages employees from proactively bringing a change
- A mix of above
The question for you as a leader is, what are you doing to empower, support and promote the culture of continuous improvement?
