http://www.VelocitySchedulingSystem.com Most of the time when I’m doing privateTheory of Constraints consulting, the problem that my clients think they have is NOT actually the real problem...

1. Theory of Constraints #tocot The Problem Isn’t What You
Think
Most of the time when I’m doing private consulting, the problem that my clients think they have
is NOT actually the real problem.
If you think about it, it makes sense that most people don’t understand their real problem.
Because if they did, they would just fix it. The fact that the problem still exists is a likely
indicator that the real issue has not been addressed.
We know from Theory of Constraints that most people work on the symptoms of their real
problem. And while we understand this intellectually, that doesn’t mean we are immune to
working on symptoms.
I’ve given well over 100 Vistage speeches and I’ve spoken to some groups more than once.
Have you noticed that some people report the same problems over and over again? A year
later they are still dealing with the same issues?
Is it possible that YOU are working on your symptoms and are unaware of the real issue?
Let’s check …
As you’re preparing for the new year, what do you want? What are your goals? (Write them
down.)
Are these things that have been on your list for a while? Maybe you’ve made some progress
toward them but have not truly achieved them. (Mark the ones that have appeared before.)
If you don’t fully reach your goals or objectives, then it is not only possible, but probable that
you’ve been dealing with symptoms and/or don’t have the right approach to improving things.
What you want is always valid. Your approach to how to get it can be the issue.
My job as a consultant is to provide perspective. To help clients understand the real problem –
the thing that’s blocking them from achieving their goals.
For example, most custom job shops I work with think that to increase due date performance or
ship more or increase profits – they need to be more efficient. They know based on data or in
their gut that they have unused capacity. And so they pursue becoming more efficient – getting
better utilization of that capacity.
This sounds logical, doesn’t it? But why then do they not substantially succeed at increasing
profits by shipping more with the same people and resources or getting more on-time?
… because their approach to solving the problems is wrong. Low efficiency or utilization is a
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2. symptom. Focusing efforts on becoming more efficient often result in little or no benefit or
things can even get worse.
Instead, these shops should focus on FLOW. (Read how a Michigan precision machine shop
did this.)
But that’s just an example. The point is that YOU may be missing the boat to REALLY
improving your business.
According to one of the Vistage economists the first half of 2013 will be more of the same.
However, the second half may see some slowing.
NOW is a good time to kick into gear to be strong for whatever the second half of the year has
in store.
MAKE it a Happy New Year,
Dr Lisa
P.S. Leave comments or questions below.
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