Expert touts using MacGyver method
When organizations are trying to solve a problem, Brian Elms tells them to think of MacGyver and use what’s at hand rather than simply looking for more staff or resources.
Elms, manager of Denver-based Peak Academy, brought this message to a lean conference hosted by the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Monday. Here are the key take-aways.
WHAT IS LEAN ALL ABOUT?
The program in Denver is to encourage government employees to look at innovation and challenge themselves to deliver value for customers and citizens, he said.
For example, Denver has reduced the time that it takes to get a business licence to 15 minutes from up to three days.
THE EXAMPLES
In Denver, the parking enforcement staff were losing valuable time simply trying to find their cars in the parking lot every morning.
Elms’s team helped Denver staff brainstorm 21 simple solutions, 10 of which ended up being implemented.
Each ambulance driver had laid out their vehicle differently, ultimately with more than they actually needed; standardizing the medical equipment included in each vehicle meant that no new equipment would have to be purchased for months.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
Anyone can participate in making these improvements, just like anyone can figure out a way to unload the dishwasher faster, he said.
It also just works, as evidenced by Toyota, General Motors, Motorola and General Electric all having done lean and other improvement work for years, he said.