A New Twist on the PDCA Cycle of Continuous Improvement

I'm a avid reader of op-ed pieces in the newspaper. I read the local paper and try to consume other papers carried by my grocery store. They're interesting for the commentary on life by columnists around the country. A myriad of topics are covered ranging from foreign policy to problem solving.

In Wednesday's paper, William Murchison, a columnist for Creators Syndicate, told the story of two bridges destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. One privately owned while the other was the property of the United States government.

The theme of the article: The privately owned bridge was rebuilt in six months and is serving the public. The government's bridge still sits in shambles and a partial re-opening is not expected for at least five months (from now).

Murchison is contrasting the decisive and efficient methods used for the privately owned bridge with the red-tape wrapped and inefficient ways of the government. As he states, 'private enterprise ponders, decides (both part of the Plan phase), and acts (Do phase). Government ponders (Plan phase), asks for studies (Plan phase), distributes forms for filling out (Plan phase), ponders (Plan phase), holds hearings (Plan phase), ponders (Plan phase), hands out new forms (Plan phase), ponders (Plan phase), ....'

It is the proverbial "paralysis by analysis". At some point, you must do something. This is true in so many arenas of life. For example: We've all probably heard the saying, "faith without works is dead". Point is: Pray, pray, and pray some more but at some point, you must step out in faith and take action. After you take action, check your results. Based on what the results tell you, decide on the best course of action to take. Then start over at the planning phase.

This simple process, Plan-Do-Check-Act, is a model for life, not just a tool used in corporate America.

If you would like to know more about this process and how to apply it, please contact me.