Book Summary Preview : The Idea Generator

The Big Idea
The book discusses a framework that enables a company to optimize utilization of its resources by directly involving all of its manpower in the enhancement and improvement of the productivity of its operations. This results not only in increased quality and efficiency, but in heightened employee morale and in markedly improved customer service.


Introduction

In the past, a great innovative leader at the helm of the company was sufficient to move and motivate thousands of subordinates toward success. The increased complexity of the 21st century, however, requires the coordinated spirit and energies of all employees to bring about company success. Today, every company needs the full participation of every employee in solving problems and in finding new solutions.

Norman Bodek, one of the authors, observed Kaizen Teian as it was practiced in companies like Toyota and Canon. The practice resulted in both companies receiving 60 to 70 improvement ideas from each employee per year.

Quick and Easy Kaizen, as the practice is now better known, encourages employees to be responsible for their company’s success. At the same time, it motivates them to grow personally on the job. The practice is simple and its effects immediately apparent.

The purpose of this book is to aid the reader in learning, initiating and sustaining the practice of Quick and Easy Kaizen.

Kaizen – Definitions, Structure, and Systems

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means continuous improvement. For the purpose of this book’s discussion, however, Kaizen shall be functionally defined as:
     • Improvement through changes in the method
     • Small changes, not big changes
     • Changes within realistic constraints

Turning Ideas into Success

There is nothing more rewarding than getting an employee excited about his work. To motivate every employee to serve customers better and to motivate every employee to improve his own work life, challenge all employees to be responsible for change!

Quick and Easy Kaizen is a system of encouraging employees to come up with small ideas and to implement these ideas. The system recognizes the creative potential of each employee and actively involves each in the improvement process of the company.

Cambridge’s International Dictionary of the English Language defines engage as “to cause (someone) to be interested in something and to keep thinking about it, or to attract and keep (someone’s interest).” Quick and Easy Kaizen is a simple and effective way of inspiring this kind of engaged thinking among employees. Quick and Easy Kaizen provides employees with the opportunity to experience the fun and self-satisfaction of solving problems, implementing solutions, and sharing success stories with others.

Quick and Easy Kaizen provides employees with the opportunity to improve their own work lives – to make their work easier and to improve their own work environment. This results in happier employees – employees with more positive attitudes toward themselves, others, their work, and the company. Ultimately, this brings about enhanced productivity and quality, lower costs, and more satisfied customers. . . . . . . . . . .

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