How you can use the DMAIC cycle to improve your life!
Why doesn't anyone actually think about using Lean Six Sigma to improve their own lives? Wouldn't that be at least as important?
It is quite simple: Lean Six Sigma and the DMAIC approach can be used just as well in the private environment - and in a very similar way as for business improvements! Here is a simple example:
Let's say you have a problem that many have:
Far too little time!
For years you have wanted to write a book that is very important to you, but you just don't find the time in your everyday life. Therefore, you decide to change this "process state" with the help of the DMAIC approach!
Define:
In the DEFINE phase, you list different aspects of why more time is important to you ... and describe the goal you want to achieve by writing the book.
Trade fairs:
You go through the essential tasks you do every day as if they were work processes in a company.
You have 2 ways to complete this phase:
- One way is to write down the times you need: How long does which core task take?
(in private leisure time & during work) - If you don't feel like writing down times, it's easier to do:
Simply rate on a scale how the respective day went in terms of time ...and write down what kept you from writing your book in each case. The result can look like this:
Analyze:
Which time wasters are really necessary, which are not? Which tasks contribute to my goal?
What underlying causes do I need to turn off in order to still have time to write? Is there anything I can do to relax significantly more on the weekend?
Improve:
After you have worked out a new personal daily routine with new routines + built-in time-saving elements, you try it out. This includes using the "won" time to write! Observe how it feels! Test another optimized schedule if necessary.
Rules:
After you've tried different schedules & found a really good one to stick to, be sure to strictly monitor adherence so you don't fall back into old behaviors!
Perhaps you have noticed that you lack the necessary discipline in your private life that you have at work. Therefore, you regularly reflect on whether you continue to bring the necessary discipline ... and how well you manage to use the free time to write your book!
Do you like our example?
Have we aroused your interest? Then do not hesitate, but think about which problem you want to tackle. It's easier than you think ... and guaranteed to work for you! And don't forget to share your experiences with the community afterwards.
P.S.: You can download a tool template for the illustrated "Customer Journey Analysis" with the help of our Community platform download.
We make complicated things simple and share our experiences - sharing is doing!
