Kaizen

Continuous Improvement.

Last week, while facilitating training in PMI’s Agile Certified Practitioner, I taught the Japanese-oriented principle of Kaizen, among similar principles like Empiricism, which simply means we learn by doing.

And, of course, in teaching, I reinforced my learning and belief in these principles. So I thought to share.

PMI-ACP is PMI’s fastest-growing agile certification since more organizations are beginning to embrace agile project management as the preferred methodology for delivering their products.

To become an Agile Certified Practitioner, you would have to prove, by examination, your real-world experience and skill as part of an Agile team, as well as knowledge of several project management methodologies under the umbrella of Agile. The most popular of which is Scrum, then we have Kanban, Lean and Extreme Programming, among others.

Besides the methodologies, Agile also advocates for Kaizen, the principle of continuous improvement, a concept rooted in the Japanese philosophy of constant progress and growth. At its core, Kaizen encourages individuals, teams, and organizations to strive for small and sustainable improvements in all aspects of work and life.

Kaizen is not about seeking perfection or a grand transformation but about the value of small, consistent, and persistent changes over time. The Japanese word “kai” means change, and “zen” means good. Together, they represent the idea of making positive changes to improve outcomes. In essence, Kaizen promotes the belief that every process, system, and method can be improved, and there is always room for improvement.

The beauty of Kaizen lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It can be applied universally in any industry, or for personal development. A culture of continuous improvement will help organizations and individuals alike to build resilience, increase productivity, and achieve improved quality and efficiency.

Embracing this principle would mean reflecting on our habits, behaviors, and goals regularly. It encourages us to identify areas for growth, even if they seem minor, and gradually work towards positive change. Embracing Kaizen also empowers us to adopt a growth mindset, acknowledging that our potential for improvement is boundless.

For project managers, the process of Kaizen involves four essential steps: Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA). This iterative cycle encourages project teams to set specific goals, implement changes, evaluate the outcomes, and continuously refine the approach based on the insights gained. This approach allows for experimentation and learning from both successes and failures, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

A critical aspect of Kaizen is the involvement of all stakeholders in the improvement process. All employees should be encouraged to contribute their ideas. Inclusivity cultivates a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive and effective improvements.

In summary, Kaizen is not a destination but a perpetual growth and excellence journey. It promotes the belief that even the smallest improvements can yield remarkable results when accumulated over time. Embracing the principle of continuous improvement allows us to remain adaptable, innovative, and resilient in an ever-changing world, leading to individual fulfillment and organizational success. As we integrate Kaizen into our lives, we embark on a path of constant evolution, striving to be the best versions of ourselves and positively impact the world around us.

For me today, Kaizen means I can keep reinventing myself and creating different versions of myself.

Reinvent Your Self

As often as you desire

Create new versions of you

Don’t stop at just one

Find yourself again

Reinvent Your Life.

There are so many versions of you living in that mind.

Breathe life into as many as you desire.

Create yourself over and over again.

Live a thousand lives.

Empiricism

As a bonus, Let me also talk about Empiricism, a fundamental principle in both everyday life and agile project management.

Embracing empiricism means we learn from past experiences and use that knowledge to make better decisions. Simple enough right?

Remember the time you bravely tried that tiktok recipe but ended up with an inedible disaster? Well, through empiricism, you learned from that mishap and aced it the next time. It’s about trial and error, a journey of constant improvement as we navigate life’s challenges.

In agile project management, Empiricism takes center stage as a trio of guiding principles: transparency, inspection, and adaptation. Each pillar plays a crucial role in shaping the team’s success.

Transparency ensures there are no hidden agendas or secrets, fostering an environment of open communication and shared information. You can seek help when you are out of your depth or make a blunder. Transparency in agile project management allows everyone to work together towards a common goal. One of the ways we are able to ensure transparency is by having the daily check ins, what did we do, what are we doing now, do we have any problems?

Inspection is the diligent process of reviewing the team’s work, analyzing what works well and what needs improvement. It’s akin to tasting that experimental smoothie and fine-tuning it to perfection.

Finally, adaptation brings it all together. Based on the insights gained from inspection, the team makes informed adjustments, driving progress and innovation. It’s like refining a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece.

Agile projects with their changing requirements are wrought with uncertainty, but with empiricism, the agile team faces said uncertainty with confidence. They embrace change, leveraging their collective experience to tackle challenges head-on. Just as life offers countless opportunities for growth, the agile team keeps evolving, discovering new ideas, and delivering exceptional results with each iteration.

So, whether you’re an experimental chef like myself or a part of an agile team, remember to seize every experience as a chance to learn, grow, and create something remarkable. Embrace the journey of continuous improvement, and with Empiricism by your side, success will undoubtedly be within reach.

Are you already implementing these principles or a similar philosophy in your daily life?