Section II – 6. Start with a Burst

• Work is often broken up by many interruptions. When this happens a 40 hour job can become a 100 hour job. Focused time without interruption is the goal. Here is a story of a team that worked together on a single task one day every week. Not only did they finish ahead of their ambitious goal, they took pride in the work of the team, not just their own work. Communication is also more effective if it happens in bursts. Synchronous communication (conversations) are more effective than asynchronous communication. (emails)

7. Recycle waste

• When you map the system for the big picture, you just might find waste that comes in different varieties. It can be represented by defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, needless transportation costs, excess inventory, needless motion, or excess processing. Waste us anything that doesn’t add value to your work. It is worth obsessing about. Micromanagement is toxic and involves excess processing. Don’t spend excessive time on decisions that can be reversed.

8. Do Less and More

• Organizations that are floundering need to consider each of these options. Stop doing something that isn’t working well. Start doing something new that can make a difference. Do less of something that isn’t making a big difference, and do more of things that are. In the early stages of change, you have to cut some things or people, and invest in something new. This is much better than a strategy of just cutting.

9. Tap Motivation

• Attending to motivation is the heart of change. To motivate people you have to pay attention to their interests, desires, and hopes. This requires empathy. Motivation is the ultimate wasted resource. It is also untapped energy. A genius swap involves aligning the work to be done with what each person most likes to do. Try to take the stuff no one wants to do and give it to a new hire who ideally enjoys this work. Recognition is a good tool for maintaining motivation. Think of it as free fuel.

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