Continuous Quality Improvement

 

Want to improve your company? 

First, start by making a list of all 1 bazillion problems your company is struggling with. 

Then:

Whittle it down to the top 100,000 problems. 

Then: 

Whittle it down to the top 10,000 problems.

Then:

Whittle it down to the top 1,000 problem. 

Then:

Whittle it down to the top 100 problems. 

Then:

Whittle it down to the top 10 problems.

Then: 

Pick the top 2 problems to start with. 

Once you’ve got these 2 headed in the right direction, using Successive Approximations to slowly refine your processes and outcome, move to the next 2 problems on your list. 

Celebrate all the small wins the team achieves. 

#NewHampshire 

Personal Growth & Development

 Personal Growth & Development 

—> Create a clear vision of the best possible outcome. 

For personal growth and development it’s critical that we create a precise, accurate vision of your ideal future. 

—> Create a clear vision of the worst possible outcome. 

It’s also very important to create a fairly precise, accurate vision of what your future worst nightmare looks like. 

Future awesomeness. Future nightmare. 

—> Your strengths, positive qualities and characteristics, your constructive energies will move you toward your ideal future vision and away from your future nightmare. 

—> Your weaknesses, negative qualities and characteristics, your destructive energies will move you toward your future nightmare and away from your ideal future vision.

Part of developing your future visions (best and worst) is identifying your strengths - what you will use to move toward your ideal future outcome and away from your worst future nightmare - and your weaknesses - that which will move you away from your ideal future outcome and toward your ideal future. 

—> Know your strengths, your constructive element. 

—> Know your weaknesses, your destructive elements.

K. H. Little Consulting Services

Kenneth H. Little, MA

cell: (603) 726-1006

kenlittle-nh.com

Laziness? Really?

 

No one is lazy.  This is just a harmful, denigrating / self-denigrating, social diagnosis; a social pejorative. 

People do the best that they can. 

If you aren’t doing well, consider the reasons, the real reasons.  This takes careful and deep self-reflection.  

You will need some time.  It’s never easy to figure out what the real problem is.  You may need help.

Pirate Movie Adventure

 

Pirate Movie Adventure

I started conceptualizing life as a “Pirate Movie Adventure” when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. One minute, literally, life was beautiful.  The next minute, literally, she was informed of her biopsy results.  

Then she came home.  One minute, literally, life was beautiful.  The next minute, literally, I was informed of her biopsy results. 

Within a fraction of a second, our lives - together and individually - changed radically. 

We had it all.  She had finished her medical residency and begun work as a pediatrician, her lifelong dream.  We had purchased our first home together. We had two beautiful young sons. We lived in a beautiful area with mountains, rivers, and lakes all around. 

2.5 years later, my wife was dead. 

Life is a Pirate Movie Adventure

1. Sometimes the weather is warm and sunny with a nice breeze, the seas are calm, we are sailing along smoothly. 

2. Sometimes life is hot, dull, windless.  We are stuck in the doldrums.  No progress is made except through sheer sweat producing, agonizing  effort - pulling the heavy vessel forward.

3. Sometimes it’s stormy. We have to batten down the hatches. 

4. Sometimes, the pirates come and steal your fucking treasure. 

This became my model for life. 

Life is most certainly an adventure.  It’s not always a good adventure, but it’s always an adventure nonetheless. 

Mind Foods: Optimize Your Brain

 

Optimize Your Brain

Nutrition matters.  The foods your eat can either improve or damage your brain.

 Foods to avoid:

1. Red Meats. Consuming a lot of red meats … is associated with cognitive decline. < 4 three-ounce servings / week. 

2. Pastries & Sweets. Enjoy sparingly. < 5 small servings / week. For example: 1 small cookie. Switch to healthy whole fruits. 

3. Butter & Stick Margarine. Any fat that is solid at room temperature is a general no-no. Avoid butter, stick margarine, palm oil, coconut oil, and shortening. Use olive oil or grapeseed oil as your fat.

4. Fried or Fast Food. Avoid.  Twice per month at most. For example: 1 small serving of fries.

Foods to Include:

1. Leafy Greens

2. Berries

3. Nuts

4. Whole Grains

5. Fish

6. Poultry

7. Olive Oil

8. Beans and Legumes

9. Vegetable

For more information, see The Mind Diet and consult with your nutritionist.

K. H. Little Consulting Services

Kenneth H. Little, MA

cell: (603) 726-1006

kenlittle-nh.com

Leading Change

Leading Change Can be Difficult

Here are 7 helpful (not easy) steps.

Step 1: Know change is necessary

Step 2: Create the vision to focus all efforts in the desired direction

Step 3: Form an empowered improvement team with decision-making power. Hand them the new vision.

Step 4: Communicate the new vision to the entire organization.

Step 5: Establish a very real sense of urgency.

Step 6: Empower others to act on the vision

·      Remove obstacles

·      Change systems and structures to align with the new vision

·      Encourage risk-taking and non-traditional / innovative ideas (out of the box) ideas

Step 7: Plan for and create short-term wins.

·      Plan for visible performance improvements

·      Create these improvements, make them happen

·      Celebrate successes!

·      Recognize and reward employees involved in the improvements

Step 8: Institutionalize the new approaches.

·      Articulate the connection between the new behaviors and success.

·      Develop the means to ensure leadership development and succession.

For more information, contact Ken

K. H. Little Consulting Services

Kenneth H. Little, MA

cell: (603) 726-1006

kenlittle-nh.com

Boosting Employee Morale: A Comprehensive Guide

 Employee morale is a critical factor in the success of any organization. A high level of morale leads to increased productivity, better teamwork, and lower turnover rates. However, maintaining positive morale among employees can be a challenging task. In this blog, we will explore various strategies and tips to help improve employee morale in your workplace.

 

 1. Open Communication

 

Encouraging open communication between employees and management can help create a positive work environment. Regular feedback sessions, town hall meetings, and suggestion boxes can provide opportunities for employees to voice their opinions and concerns.

 

2. Recognition and Rewards

 

Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements can go a long way in boosting morale. Implementing employee recognition programs, employee of the month awards, and performance-based bonuses can show employees that their efforts are valued and appreciated.

 

 3. Work-Life Balance

 

Promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining high morale among employees. Encouraging flexible work hours, telecommuting options, and offering paid time off can help employees better manage their personal and professional lives.

 

4. Professional Development

Investing in the professional development of employees not only enhances their skills but also shows that the organization is dedicated to their growth. Providing opportunities for training, workshops, and career advancement can motivate employees and improve morale.

 5. Team Building Activities

 

Organizing team-building activities and events can help foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among employees. Activities such as team outings, volunteer programs, and team-building workshops can strengthen relationships and boost morale.

 

6. Wellness Programs

 

Prioritizing employee well-being by offering wellness programs and initiatives can contribute to a positive work environment. Implementing programs such as gym memberships, mindfulness sessions, and health screenings can promote physical and mental health among employees.

 

7. Social Events

 

Hosting social events and gatherings can provide employees with an opportunity to relax, unwind, and socialize outside of work. Organizing holiday parties, team lunches, and after-work happy hours can help build connections and improve morale.

 

Conclusion

 

Improving employee morale is a continuous effort that requires dedication and commitment from both management and employees. By implementing the strategies and tips mentioned in this blog, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that motivates employees to perform at their best. Remember, a happy and engaged workforce is the key to organizational success.

K. H. Little Consulting Services

Kenneth H. Little, MA

cell: (603) 726-1006

kenlittle-nh.com