Execution

Let’s Plan, Do, Check and Adjust It!

Let’s Plan, Do, Check and Adjust It!

Most of us realize that no plan remains intact as written following its first introduction to reality. Those who do not know that are not paying attention. So what do we do about that? 

Edward Deming articulated a process now referred to as plan-do-check-adjust (PDCA). The following explanation of Mr. Deming’s cycle would probably cause him to blanch. PDCA is based on the same rational approach as the scientific method:  observe, gather data, hypothesize, and test then repeat until you cannot disprove your hypothesis. 

 

Not Right Now, Maybe Later

Not Right Now, Maybe Later

How do you balance working on your business with working in your business? Do you find that day-to-day issues take priority over longer-term preparation and planning?

Senior executives understand the need to define long-term goals and establish the capability to realize those goals. They understand that without a description of benefit for a long-term goal it is hard to decide on what investment is possible while still delivering value. We know what needs be done. The funny thing is, despite what we know, we often plan to work on long-term goals, just not right now, maybe later.