We all have the experience of applying a solution to a problem, and the problem gets worse.
With hindsight we look back, and realise that we came up with a solution without properly understanding the cause of the problem.
An example is a team that is underperforming at their tasks. A knee jerk solution might be to send them off on a training course to get better at what they do. What if the real cause of the problem is inherent in the procedures they are working to, or the way they are incentivised, or the morale, or anything else that a training course won’t fix?
Before making a change, use Process Mapping to understand the bigger picture, to find whereabouts in the process the problem happens, and the downstream effects of the proposed change. And ask around. There are always people who think a change will fail. Find them and ask them why they think so. You don’t want them saying later “I could have told you why that would fail”.
And Schlimmbesserung?
German for making something worse through an attempt to make things better.
My best wishes, Paul
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