10 in 60 Rule

When I was a kid, my dad enforced a rule of doing 10 math problems every day. It was mandatory. Now, it was not that big a deal when you are starting on a lesson and doing the first 10 out of the 40 problems in that chapter; you could handle them in 10 minutes. But, towards the end of the chapter, the last 10 problems usually would take an hour or more, they used to be the most difficult ones. But you survive the hard one and then move on to the next lesson the next day and get a respite with some easy ones too.

The 10 in 60 Rule is a kind of enhancement on the same principle in adult life. I am a strong believer of incrementalism. The million mile walk starts with the first step, and then each succeeding step matters, a slow and steady march towards the finish.

How do you improve quality in your service / product / workplace? Add 10 improvements every 60 days. They do not have to be major - just focus on the little improvements - things the customer / user will not notice immediately.

Examples:

• At home, clear the sink of all dishes before going to bed.
• Get your secretary a comfortable chair.
• Print double sided unless absolutely necessary to print single sided.
• Put a "Thank you" note with every order / invoice you send out.

Focus on the details, the small items. Details matter and eventually can save you a lot of money. In a year it will be 60 ways you have improved your world and the aggregate will be noticed. The dividends will be great. You do not need to run a major PR campaign to bring about a mammoth change - do it in small things, everyday.

Encourage your staff to do the same - have an ideas box at the office. Read the ideas every week and adopt them. You will be amazed how many good ideas come through. Change behavior, turn all energy positive, reward the accomplishments.

And, last but not the least - keep a running list of the changes made. It will help you judge your progress and also make you (and your staff) feel happy about the positive changes. It will boost confidence and promote a healthy working atmosphere.