Can We Improve on Continuous Improvement?

...Six Sigma, when "jammed" into EVERY engineers head, in exactly the same format, tends to make EVERY engineer "see" and "react" to problems per the 'pre-programmed' Six Sigma way...definitely an "...inside-the-box..." constraint.

...creativity typically comes from "...outside..." thinking, conceptualizations and mis-understandings--where the 'mis' understanding leads to "...alternative..." (ie: "...outside-the-box...) thinking and approaches.

...to paraphrase STAR TREKS's Scotty: "...Hell, Jim, I'm an engineer, not a Lemming!"

If the improvement isn't making the process safer, more efficient or more profitable, then it isn't an improvement, except in the head of the person that came up with it.

They become hinderances when someone of higher authority is just sending these improvement ideas along without screening them for their applicability.

First, I agree. Next, my policy for all suggestions and ideas is to examine them to see if they would make a process better in any of the ways that you mentioned, THEN WE examine them to look for unintended consequences. If we find negative consequences, I go back to the suggester and explain them. Sometimes the result is another idea, and in all cases the suggestor learns. And if we find good unexpected consequences then I always publicly thank the suggestor.

But the biggest part is understanding that just because it is new or different, it is not always better. That much is always certain.

And that is where the term "Continuous" applies.

As long as the "continuous" part isn't an attempt to find a better general shape for a wheel. There are many things that will allways require a fresh look but those looks should also be the cost.

nothing wrong with continuous improvement.

plenty wrong with management initiatives.

You want continuous improvement? create a culture to continuously empower and encourage thoughtful employees.

Want crap? take away their latitude and tell them to do it your way exclusively.

Been there. done that, got the tshirt, jacket, and cheap car coffemug. Tape at 11.

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No, we cannot improve on Continuous Improvement. Common sense reasons that the statement is not possible to incorp. Improvement is possible to a point where the process is leaned out to maxinum efficiency at which time improvement is only possible in a negative valve. At that point why would one coninue to try to improve a process unless they decide to revamp the whole process which is not really continuous improvement of a process. Studies that show that actually dampen engineering or manufacturing innovation is correct (common sense, I hope somebody did't spend to much money on this study). The only people that believes in this statement are the ones selling the idea trying to justify their position and/or exsistance.