Systems Thinking is described by Peter Senge as “a discipline for seeing wholes rather than parts, for seeing patterns of change rather than static snapshots, and for understanding the subtle interconnectedness that gives (living) systems their unique character”. Systems Thinking examples include ecosystems, cars and human bodies as well as organisations! Systems Thinkers have taught…
There are plenty of tools and techniques in the Continuous Improvement toolkit to support different thinking and creativity, and it has long been maintained that equipping and engaging people in improvement activities is an essential CI principle. Indeed failure to use the talent and imagination of people has been recognised as one of the quintessential…
“To measure is to know”, stated physicist, mathematician and problem solver Lord Kelvin. “If you can not measure it, you can not improve it”. This clearly applies to measuring operational efficiency – without appropriate measures in place, how much can we really know about performance and efficiency, and how do we know if continuous improvement activities,…
This Sunday, every single person in the UK will unite and take action, with a clearly defined and common purpose. We have done so twice a year since 1916, with a couple of exceptions. Amazing – the fact that people, all of the people, will mobilise and co-operate to change something as ubiquitous and vital…
Before hitting the road with Lean Six Sigma, it is necessary to start the engine. To do this, three vital components are required – a spark, fuel and air. The spark in an engine delivers electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber to ignite the compressed fuel and air. The power of the…
Last week I had the privilege of working with a fantastic new client organisation situated just around the corner from 221b Baker Street, the address of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. Each time I walked past there were dozens of people gathered around the famous doorway taking pictures and queuing up for the Sherlock Holmes museum.…
Earlier this summer it was announced that sales of ice cream and frozen treats were up by over 100% on 2017’s figures. Boozy ice lollies were among the fastest growing product areas, with an increase in sales of 188% reported by Waitrose. Mmmm, G&T for me please! But while a proliferation of flavours and combinations…
This week the hashtag ‘GarethSouthgateWould’ has sent Twitter into overdrive and demonstrated the high esteem in which the England Football Manager is held. Some of the many brilliant tweets that have been shared: GarethSouthgateWould know the difference between Reply and Reply All GarethSouthgateWould fold the end of the Sellotape over when he’s finished using it,…
Are you Team Yanny or Team Laurel? If you don’t yet know, make your mind up here! This was the question that divided the nation last week when an audio clip hit the internet, featuring a single word being repeated. But what is that word? Whilst some people unmistakably hear the word “yanny”, others hear…
Are you coming to learn with us? Better make sure you get a good night’s sleep! According to neuroscientist Matthew Walker, sleeping is the best thing you can do before and after learning, in order to cement the memory and make learning stick. Sleeping before learning has the effect of clearing out the hippocampus…