Tag Archives: performance measurement

Short Circuit

This is Stick Boss. Stick Boss is basically a good guy who cares about his organisation and wants the best for people. Unfortunately, he has a problem with his brain. This means that just as he’s on the cusp of … Continue reading

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Detox

Whilst flicking through TV channels recently, I came across a consumer advice programme, where the reporter was researching the effectiveness of self-administered ‘detox’ products. The TV crew followed her for three days as she consumed nothing but ‘specially formulated’ fruit … Continue reading

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Find The Treasure

“It’s just the starting point for asking questions”. That’s what I often hear people say about this sort of thing. (Look at all the pretty colours). Well, it’s not. And the questions are usually the wrong questions, asked of the … Continue reading

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The Real Thing

Have a look at these three handguns… (Glock 17s to be precise): One is real. One fires plastic balls. One fires blanks. Which is which though? Can you tell which is the real one? Even upon handling them in real … Continue reading

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Method in the Madness?

Deming was fond of saying, “By what method?” In other words, if you want to see performance improvements you need to have an actual method for achieving them. This means understanding the system and improving system conditions to help the workers … Continue reading

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Face the Facts

We like actual evidence, don’t we? Then don’t be like the guy on the right!

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The Weather Man

Sometimes when Stick Child and his friends are out playing, they see an old man walking his dog. They call this man ‘The Weather Man’, because he always asks the stick children to help him predict the weather. He asks … Continue reading

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Right Measures, Measured Right

…is a phrase I often use when talking about measuring stuff in performance systems. Although I deride arbitrary numerical targets at every turn, I genuinely believe it’s essential to measure things, as long as they are the right things. So, … Continue reading

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How To Spoil A Perfectly Good Car

This beast is the legendary Scoobmeister. Some of you may even have seen it in real life if you’ve been particularly lucky. Anyway, I think it’s great. “And your point is, Simon..?” you might be thinking. Well it’s this – over … Continue reading

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Message From The Skies

What’s this? These strange lights were seen above my house last night. (Well, sort of…) It’s actually a photo of a lightning bolt stretching across the sky from left to right, as seen through the eyes of someone who only understands … Continue reading

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