The Mind Games in the Improvement Process
As someone who has been through the business improvement process with many companies, I have seen first-hand the results that can be achieved. I can also intuitively spot the problems holding a business back. However, what always amazes me is how difficult it is for others to believe in the process.
This is the single biggest hurdle in achieving results. You have to believe that improvements are possible and that your business can perform better than it currently does.
The Power of an Open Mind
To accept improvement, you must first acknowledge that you are not doing everything you could be. You have to be open to help and willing to consider ideas that may seem counterintuitive to your current way of operating.
Unfortunately, what got you to where you are may not get you to where you want to go.
Cognitive Biases: The Natural Resistance to Change
This resistance to change is rooted in our brain’s protective mechanisms. We have evolved with cognitive biases designed to keep us alive. Anything new or different from our existing way of thinking can trigger a defensive response—what some call the “lizard brain.” This part of the brain is designed for survival, helping us flee from threats, but in business, it often holds us back.
Leadership: The Key to Business Transformation
The most significant and hardest changes to make are often in the mindset of business operators and managers. Recently, I saw a dramatic improvement in a company when a key manager finally allowed himself to believe that change was possible.
Once his mindset shifted (and remained open), achieving results became significantly easier. In this particular case, the difference in performance on one production line was staggering. It all stemmed from one manager adopting a new perspective and pushing his team to do the same.
This is why I continuously emphasise the importance of strong leadership. All the improvement techniques in the world won’t help if you don’t have a leader willing to drive change.
A Real-World Example: Mindset vs. Machinery
In this specific business, we had always struggled to achieve results because the managers resisted changing their ways. They were hesitant to trust in the improvement process, fearing that change might jeopardise their current operations. However, by resisting, they were unknowingly preventing their company from achieving better reliability, efficiency, and yield improvements.
We presented them with data highlighting areas for improvement, but they often interpreted it differently. This is understandable—it takes experience to spot the real issues behind inefficiencies.
The breakthrough moment? The manager visited another factory that was operating older machinery but achieving far superior performance. This firsthand experience shattered his preconceptions. He saw that improvement was not just about upgrading equipment but about adopting the right mindset and processes.
Final Thoughts: A Willing Mind Drives Success
Business improvement is not just about tools, techniques, or better machines—it starts with a shift in mindset. Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering this mindset, ensuring that teams embrace change rather than resist it.
If you are serious about improving your business, start by challenging your own beliefs. Open yourself up to new ways of thinking, and you might be surprised at what you can achieve.
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