Hi Graham

I think you need to start earlier than looking at methodologies like Six Sigma and look at culture, both macro and micro. The east has a culture of striving to do better, and their corporations reflect that (generally). Improvement and innovation get applauded and rewarded.

But you still need a few individuals that are willing, able and capable of challenging the norm.

This is difficult, especially if you are an outsider. Quite often, the people you need to support your vision first has to admit that you can do it better than they can. This can result in very good ideas being rejected simply to save face.

Although nearly everyone will say they embrace change, the opposite is usually true.

There are formal selling and business development strategies that you can follow to build support for change in your organisation. These are consultative selling processes that gather information, build trust and support and develop win – win outcomes.

Basically you have to be an evangelist for change!

You have to create a vision of the future and develop support from stakeholders than can help you get a ‘YES”.

You have to be able to quantify the benefits of implementing your vision.

Investing in change need to deliver bottom line results. So increase sales, decrease cost or increase asset utilisation. Ultimately you are asking for investment to realise your vision, and the people controlling the finances need to show a return on their investment. If you can help them achieve their goal, you are well on your way.

I am happy to discuss individual cases offline and assist in building business cases for change.

Regards

David

__________________
David van der Walt

Hi there David,

Thanks for your invaluable input - i am new to this concept and all information that i currently have is self taught. I have had no formal training or introduction to Lean Management Tools except for some books on the subject.

I am eager to learn and i hunger the knowledge that could so easily tip the scale - and lead the organisation's competitive advantage.

Has this concept been included in Best Practice Policies in Procurement circles - are there any case studies available locally?

I am contactable off-line on the e-mail addy provided. If there are any additional information on this subject - please feel free to let me know.

Regards,
Graham