Systematic Continuous Improvement (SCI) Insights

rigid flexibility

Maintaining a rigid state of flexibility.

March 24, 20251 min read

Maintaining a rigid state of flexibility? What? Sounds like a contradiction, right? But when it comes to continuous improvement, that phrase nails it.

If your company wants to stay alive—and better yet, thrive—you’ve got to keep improving. Constantly. But here’s the twist: that kind of improvement can’t be random or “whenever we get around to it.” It needs to be baked into the everyday way you do business with processes for engaging every employee in systematic continuous improvement. Rigid. Reliable. Routine.

At the same time, when people bring their ideas to SCI huddles, you can’t stay stuck in the ruts of the past. You’ve got to be flexible—ready to respond, to pivot and try new things. Fast.

Bottom line, improvement needs structure and it also needs stretch. The magic happens when you drive improvement into your culture and stay loose enough to respond to what people on the front lines are seeing and saying.

Click on the link below to learn how being rigid and flexible at the same time isn’t a contradiction at all, but the surest way to win.

6-Week Program for Systematic Continuous Improvement

“Better ever after!”

Systematic Continuous Improvement 6-Week Program

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If you have a story that illustrates the power and potential of employees engaged in continuous improvement, we’d love to hear it – and share it with our readers.

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Les Landes

Founder and president of Landes & Associates, Les Landes is the former head of communications for one of the world’s largest food companies. Speaking at conferences and seminars across the country, he is well known for his trademark message about the perils of the quality “program trap.” Author of numerous articles, his areas of expertise range from communication to marketing to organizational development to employee engagement and more. Most importantly, he brings a unique perspective on how to ensure that those elements are aligned in a way that brings out the best in all of them.

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Les Landes


Les Landes

314-664-6497

leslandes@landesassociates.com


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