In a time of great disruption, businesses must create a culture that encourages the ongoing enhancement of its products, processes and ways of working. A culture of continuous improvement is a critical factor for any business seeking to stay ahead in this rapidly changing world. In conversation with Peter Evans, LEGO’s Director of Continuous Improvement in Business Service Operations, we uncovered the three foundational building blocks to making this culture a reality. Here's a snapshot of what the change expert revealed:

1. Understand

For Peter, change occurs at the level of the individual. When transforming the way a business works, change leader must ensure that impacted employees share a mutual and accurate understanding of the end vision and goal. Establishing a formal forum of communication invites an open discussion of what the improvements are, how they’re happening and why and can be of significant benefit in motivating individuals who are adverse to disruption. 

2. Improve

When improving processes, intelligent automation is an attractive but costly option. As discovered by LEGO, existing systems and software can be adapted to improve the necessary processes without the additional investment. Always take the time to assess the potential of that which is already in place.

Regardless of whether you do or do not decide to introduce new technology, data plays an integral role in measuring the process of an improvement initiative. Encouraging employees to identify and measure key performance metrics is a great way to keep track of how an initiative is going and build a company-wide improvement mind set.

3. Sustain

A sustained culture of continuous improvement demands the establishment of a core set of values that is both understood and felt by employees. Every action that a business takes should be purposeful and reflect the values that it has outlined. Approaches to hiring and employment alongside interactions with the local community and environment are a great way to put these values into action.

Finally, sharing evidence of the business’ progress with all of those impacted will nurture a culture of improvement that continues to blossom and grow.

Click the link below for a more in-depth insight into Peter's 28+ years of experience in the change field as well as the practical applications of these continuous improvement principles at LEGO.