A ten step journey through our unique ten step method for improving organizations（2）

A ten step journey through our unique ten step method for improving organizations（2）

－－Seeing the system

A network of interdependent processes

 If we want to achieve our goal, we must be sure all the components in our organization behave consistently with respect to the goal we have established. To fully understand how the elements in our system interact, we must be able to see our organization as a network of interdependent processes.

What is a process?

Our system is made up of processes. What is a process ? 

 A set of inputs and a set of outputs.

Inputs can come from components of the system or, for example,  from the material the process is acting on.

If we want to understand more about the interactions in our organization, we must design the processes that constitute our system. Once we have designed a process, we know:

  who does what

  what gets done and when

  which decisions have to be made

  what the possible consequences  of every decision are 
  
 Tools for improving the system

The simplest, most effective method for this is the Deployment Flowchart. (See an example)

This tool provides us with a representation of a sequence of events, activities, steps and decisions that transform inputs in a system or process into output.

The knowledge we gain from a Deployment Flowchart is what we need to be able to make the right decisions throughout the process in order to improve it.
Moreover, if people work together to design the system, they can see how they contribute to the goal of the process. This fosters continuous improvement as people are able to understand the best way to do their job.

When we are able to see how and where various processes interact, we can identify internal customers and suppliers. This helps break down barriers between individuals and functions.

When we examine the process we have designed and we find inconsistencies in relation to the goal of the system, we then have to redesign the process so it conforms with that goal.

Redesigning our organization can also have negative implications. People tend to resist change and managers need an effective means of dealing with fears and conflicts among staff.

The TOC Thinking Processes tools to help with this are the Conflict Cloud and Negative Branch Reservation. 

Summary

In Step Two we have designed and redefined the processes of our organization so that they are consistent with the goal of the system. Having a clear and constant view of the system allows us to study results and decide how to behave. That means being able to improve the system.