Guiding Principle 7: Optimize and Automate

Question 1

Definition: Optimize and Automate

Answer 1

Resources of all types, particularly human resources (HR), should be used most effectively.

Eliminate anything that is truly wasteful and use technology to achieve whatever it is capable of. Human intervention should only happen where it really contributes value.

Question 2

The Road to Optimization

Answer 2

1. Understanding and agreeing on the context in which the proposed optimization exists. This includes agreeing on the overall vision and objectives of the organization.
2. Assessing the current state of the proposed optimization to understand where it can be improved, and which improvement opportunities are likely to produce the biggest positive impact.
3. Agreeing on what the future state and priorities of the organization should be, focusing on simplification and value.
4. Ensuring the optimization has the appropriate level of stakeholder engagement and commitment.
5. Executing the improvements in an iterative way, using metrics and other feedback to check progress, stay on track, and adjust the approach to the optimization as needed.
6. Continually monitoring the impact of optimization to identify opportunities to improve methods of working.

Question 3

Application: Optimize and Automate

Answer 3

Simplify and/or optimize before automating

Define your metrics

Use the other guiding principles when applying this one