Stop Doing it the Old Way

I love this saying!

Do you know how many times I hear 'I do it that way because it's always been done that way'. In fact, I tell my staff I never want to hear that. Instead tell me why we do it that way.

Procedures and processes are great to have and follow, but they need to be regularly reviewed to ensure they are still efficient and relevant. Sometimes, we get stuck in a rut and forget to review and sometimes people have the attitude 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it'. The reality is that life, business and technology changes so quickly, we have no choice but to start thinking and acting differently.

Here are some good strategies to follow:

• Stop just processing, think about what you are doing

• If you can't answer 'why' you are doing something, then find out now

• Spend time once a month reviewing some processes and question yourself: Is this still relevant and do we even need to be doing this ; or can we remove steps and speed up the process

• Review technology out there that may be able to speed up the process or do the whole process for you

• Automate, automate, automate

Yes, I know...you are going to say...but how do I find the time. The reality is, yes it will take time, but you will save yourself time in the long run!!