SYSTEMS Win!

Goals versus systems, which is better, which wins? This question is of interest because it can help us understand how we can work most effectively and efficiently. Hard work goes a long way, but we also need to be smart about our approaches, and use our energy wisely. Goals and systems are not mutually exclusive, obviously. Any properly defined system must have some desired outputs or goals. The question is what has the most leverage, and which can give the most long-term benefits. The problems with goals, as compared to systems, per James Clear (in his outstanding book Atomic Habits): Problem #1: Winners and losers have the same goals Problem #2: Achieving a goal is only a momentary change Problem #3: Goals restrict your happiness Problem #4: Goals are at odds with long term progress One of the advantages of systems is that the daily gains from them can be small, but if they are compounded consistently over time, a huge benefit can be realized. This “aggregation of marginal gains” approach was used with tremendous success by the British Cycling Team in the Olympics. Habits can be thought of as systems in this context. Now let’s think about this from the Process Perspective. Systems that would be useful to help build robust processes on an ongoing basis include:

• Manufacturability Evaluation diagnostic tool

• Equipment Design Review: template to ensure Process Stewardship considerations are included

• Process Fundamentals Overview, describing why this specific process works and what its weak spots are

• Pilot Scale Process Turn-Up: criteria for successful transition to full-scale production

• Process Design Analysis, using axiomatic analysis design framework

• “Process Window” Definition framework, quantify how much margin the process has

• Ideal Final Result analysis tool to create a “stake in the ground” for development efforts

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My main learning from this line of thinking is how much systems and habits can help on a daily basis, without some of the shortcomings and disappointments inherent in a strictly goal-based approach. Systems can codify best practices and generate large improvements (via compound growth) in a predictable, reproducible fashion.

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YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK

Please think about what systems you use to create robust processes (either new processes or improvements in existing processes):

• Discuss this concept of systems (both existing and possible ones) with your process experts. Did useful ideas surface that need to be used regularly or explored for potential?

• Can a simple and workable system be prototyped on a high-priority project, to test it out and apply it to a real-world and important project?

I’d enjoy hearing your comments about the role of systems versus goals in your organization, and how these are balanced out. Please send your thoughts to me at marty@martyschad.com, or call me at 508-410-8081.

All the Best,

Marty

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