Any college student from around the world will tell you how fast-paced and hectic it is trying to figure out the rest of your life. Between classes, student organizations, figuring out our financial situations (and trying not to drown in them), and truly trying to enjoy this time in our lives, students are busy! Likewise, any professional in the workforce will tell you the same thing–being an adult isn’t easy. Can it all be done?
Process mapping and standard work for any task allows for smoother running and less stressful experiences with better outcomes. In one of my classes this week, we looked at the writing process for a research document. It was highly recommended to be taken a step at a time so as to not overwhelm the writer. The paper is to be taken piece by piece and improved upon gradually. The writers were advised to take detailed notations of their process goals in order to complete all of the necessary tasks in a timely manner and fully report on all of the key points of their topic. Things cannot be made without time and effort, and one can’t do everything at once.
Lean principles are everywhere and, if studied, are not difficult to implement. Many people misconstrue continuous improvement as solely a manufacturing or workplace fad. In reality it can be applied in many aspects of your daily routine to provide a more organized, efficient, and beneficial way of doing things. How do you use Lean in your everyday life?
Aspen, breaking processes down into digestible bits is a great approach. Also, even when so much of what we do seem “non-standard” there are always going to be areas that are repeatable and can be standardized. Adding structure where you can allows for the most efficient and effective use of that time, so it then opens up more time and energy to apply to more ad hoc and creative endeavors.
I have tried to standardize small snips of my daily work. This is an exercise that allows my mind to have some rest and be prepared for the more rigorous tasks that I must tackle. Sometimes it is hard to adhere to my self-imposed standards, but when I do I never regret it. It feels good and yields good results in time, productivity, and sense of wellness.
Great post. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
In one of my classes this week, we looked at the writing process for a research document. It was highly recommended to be taken a step at a time so as to not overwhelm the writer. Where such information?