Importance of Knowing Constraints
Define Constraints
Identifying your business and organizational constraints and understanding their root causes can be immensely beneficial for business growth. Contemplating solutions to these constraints can add substantial value, ultimately enhancing customer service.
1. What impedes growth or consistently frustrates your team, system, or culture?
Let's illustrate a constraint. On the East Coast of the United States, there's an interstate highway called I-95. If you've traveled on it, you've likely encountered extensive traffic jams. Once, while heading south, the four lanes gradually reduced to one, causing a massive bottleneck. The reason? Workers were scraping paint off steel for repainting. At a glance, one might blame the workers for the jam, but is that the root cause?
Root or Symptom?
Upon reflection, I considered that the real cause might have been inadequate paint preparation in the manufacturing process. Could the traffic jams have been prevented with proper prep techniques before painting? While it's uncertain, this contemplation shifted my perspective toward understanding the genuine root causes of business constraints and disruptions in rhythm.
Often, visible issues in your business might be mere symptoms, not the actual root constraints.
1. What are the reoccurring challenges and situations?
2. What is at the root of those could be your constraint?
Solving the constraint can greatly increase the rhythm influencing effectiveness and efficiency. Possibly empower the team to explore these great growth opportunities from a positive perspective.
Misunderstanding Can Fuel Constraints
Looking internally at a business or organization, suppose there's a recurring human resource issue. Could the root of this problem lie in the initial hiring process, role definition, core values, or approach to the systems, culture, and people within the organization? Do new hires fully grasp the company's mission, values, vision, and operational approach? Do they fully understand the values and expectations? Could many challenges be alleviated by enhancing training, setting clearer expectations, and offering comprehensive evaluations in an employee's first 90 days?
1. Is there an area of your business where there is a BIG assumption in operation?
2. How could you bring clarity into your systems, people and culture?
“Constraints can spur creativity and incite action, as long as you have the confidence to embrace them.” ~ Tom Kelley
Personal Note
On Friday, February 16th, my team and I had a blast traveling by train to NYC Times Square! We met with our publisher for Synergistic Rhythm. It was a great honor to collaborate and also meet two other #1 Amazon Best selling authors. Whatever your dreams and goals are, believe they are possible! Growing up and after graduating out of high school, I had a learning and reading opportunity. My wife, Patty, spent several years, with lots of grace, helping me overcome this major learning hurdle. What’s possible with flipping the script in your situation?
Final Thoughts
Remember, your constraints are not your identity or your final roadblock. They are only feedback and the opportunity to mine for gold to scale thriving growth! One of the great joys I have is helping businesses and organizations establish an effective ecosystem and find their thriving rhythm! I encourage you to reach out, and let’s explore options that fit you.
In Gratitude,
Ed Garner