Isn’t it great that we can never learn everything? None of us are perfect. So, there’s always room for improvement. We should all be continually searching for ways to be a better person and leader. One way to recognize opportunities for continued improvement is to question your status quo.

You Should Constantly Ask Yourself:

  • Is this best way to do this?
  • Are there things we’re not doing that we should do?
  • Is there something that we are doing that we should not do?

Is This the Best Way to Do This?

Sometimes we do things one way because that’s just how we have always done it. You may say to yourself, “Why on earth would I look for a better way?” The answer is there may be new processes, technology, or a new idea from an employee. Keep an open mind.

What Are You NOT Doing that You Should Do?

Even when you’re feeling overworked, when there aren’t enough hours in the day, you need to ask this question. What are we not doing that we should be doing? Because, you can’t improve if you’re not asking this question. So, are there things that will not only help your customers, but will develop your people? Are there activities that could make you more efficient and better prepared to handle the future?

What Are You Doing that You Shouldn’t Do?

This question isn’t asked nearly enough. Are there things you do in your job that are done for reasons that no longer exist? For example, a report that no one uses or a process that was replaced by new technology?

Add Action to Your Words!

When you make a commitment to continuous improvement, you’ll make things better for you and your team. Here’s a simple plan of action. Pick three actions to take. One to be accomplished in the first 30 days, the second in 60, third in 90. Each should be:

  • Something which can be accomplished in 30 days
  • Something that’s achievable – not impossible
  • Activity-driven – how will it be accomplished?
  • Within your control – nothing which depends on others such as outside departments, customers, vendors or if it requires corporate approval

How to Recognize Opportunities for Continued Improvement

It also doesn’t have to be earth-shattering. Because progress and improvement are often made one small step at a time. So, what have you put off that you’d like to get done? What would impact your department, job, or customers in a positive way? How would it help your team? What can you and your department do better, more of, quicker, more cost-effective, or more organized? So, don’t overthink this or make it too complicated – we all have actions we’ve been meaning to “get to” what are yours?

How Can I help? 

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a  management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program.

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