Have you ever asked yourself:
- Why does it take ten steps to get a finished product to customers when it could take just two?
- What if I used a stopwatch on an assembly line to identify waste?
- Why does this tax return require three levels of review and sign-off when two levels produce the same outcome?
We’ve all experienced these moments of clarity in the workplace—instances where we question processes that are messy, time-consuming, and seem to defy logic. We know that these processes are preventing growth too. In this post, I’m going to dive into how you can combine a process improvement mindset with your analytical skills. I firmly believe this combination can drive growth in your business. Let’s jump in!
The 10,000-Foot View
At its core, process improvement often boils down to reducing the time it takes to complete repetitive tasks. It’s about using your curiosity to understand and optimize processes that have remained unchanged or unnecessarily complex.
For me, it started in public accounting when I would look at hundreds of companies tax department processes. I’d overview stories of time wasting and redundancies that made my mind melt. How could they spin their wheels on such processes? Why did they take up so much time on back-and-forth, time-draining tax prep steps?
When you work in public accounting you get the opportunity to act as a true outsider looking into company. Your role is to help a company with their public filing or financial reporting demands. This role gives you the advantage of seeing the company – warts and all. Soon enough you have a bird’s eye view of the business. You also understand what’s holding them back in the weeds. Which makes you a great candidate to understand process improvements for these firms.
Your Process Improvement Mindset + Analytical Skills = Growth Engine
How does one develop this process improvement muscle? For me, it began with taking a Six Sigma course and participating in a Kaizen event. For me, it was working at Danaher Corporation which developed their version of Kaizen’s called DBS or Danaher Business Systems. For others, it might start with simply questioning why a process takes an eternity to complete. Ultimately, it’s about challenging assumptions about the world around you.
I’ve found that layering this adaptive process improvement mindset with analytical skills honed through daily work creates a powerful combination. This approach enables you to focus on the core of any business:
- Revenue growth
- Profit margins
- Income generation
If you’re spending hours:
- Fighting redundant steps
- Navigating a maze of approvals
- Wading through repetitive processes
You’re not focusing on your primary job: making money and bringing in new business.
By combining a process improvement mindset with strong analytical skills, you create an engine for growth. This engine can drive your career forward. It can also drive your organization forward.
Take Action: Start Your Process Improvement Journey Today
Ready to harness the power of process improvement and analytical thinking? Here are some steps you can take right now:
- Observe and Question: Take a fresh look at your daily tasks. Is there a process that’s always bothered you? Start there.
- Measure and Analyze: Use your analytical skills to gather data on time spent. Measure the resources used. Analyze the outcomes achieved in your chosen process.
- Brainstorm Solutions: Think creatively about how you could streamline or improve the process. No idea is too small or too ambitious at this stage.
- Propose and Implement: Present your findings and ideas to your team or supervisor. Be prepared to explain the potential benefits and address any concerns.
- Learn and Iterate: Implement your improvements, measure the results, and be ready to make further adjustments. Continuous improvement is key.
- Share Your Success: Once you’ve successfully improved a process, share your experience with colleagues. You might inspire others to do the same.
Remember, developing a process improvement mindset is a journey. Start small, stay curious, and keep pushing for positive change. Your career—and your organization—will thank you for it.
What process will you improve first?
Where can you help drive growth?
Ryan Stemen, MBA 