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Observation is one of the most important steps in any evaluation of a process that may need to be changed. Observation of the process and all of the steps involved before and after that process. You can't only look at a single process, you need to know what context to place it in, and in that way you need to know how everything works together. You can read the spec sheets, the standard operating procedures and all of the instructions on how the processes are supposed to work together and alone.
But unless you go out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you'll never know precisely how they work. How is it that one employee can put together or build a part much quicker than another member of staff? It could be that the employee is just more motivated or faster or maybe just more experienced, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something which saves effort and time that nobody has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is skipping a step that he or she isn't aware that they're bypassing. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later investigation, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may perhaps be a little bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That is not to say they are trying to hide anything or do not like being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some people. That is why it is also important to consider their feelings and well being. You don't want to make them so nervous that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them comfortable, try and introduce yourself before the initial observation phase, get to know each person a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance prior to the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you happen to be there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, simply sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit nerve-racking for some men and women. Remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it's done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
But unless you go out onto the floor, with a clipboard in hand, you'll never know precisely how they work. How is it that one employee can put together or build a part much quicker than another member of staff? It could be that the employee is just more motivated or faster or maybe just more experienced, but it could be that somewhere in the process they identified a way to do something which saves effort and time that nobody has thought of yet.
It also could be that the staff member is skipping a step that he or she isn't aware that they're bypassing. Without careful observation of what is going on and recording these events for later investigation, will the answer ever be discovered. Now, it is essential to remember that you're observing men and women that are doing their jobs and being observed and analyzed may perhaps be a little bit uncomfortable for some of them.
That is not to say they are trying to hide anything or do not like being supervised, but when an outside observer comes into the facility, it can be unnerving for some people. That is why it is also important to consider their feelings and well being. You don't want to make them so nervous that they begin to make mistakes. Try and make them comfortable, try and introduce yourself before the initial observation phase, get to know each person a little bit at least and help put them at ease.
Make an appearance prior to the observation day because when you simply show up and announce that you happen to be there to observe, or worse yet, don't even say anything to them, simply sulk around in the distance making notes, it's easy to see why it can be a bit nerve-racking for some men and women. Remember, they will be happy to learn what will make them better at their job if it's done in a kind and respectful manner of presentation.
About the Author:
One of the best things that you can do for your company is incorporate the six sigma process. You can locate information on lean six sigma as well as the various levels by visiting mbajournal.org.
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