I remember a Family Circus cartoon from a few years ago which focused on Billy’s trip from the family’s kitchen to the mail box outside. Instead of a direct path, he took a very circuitous route. Just looking at the cartoon makes one dizzy and tired, due to the complexity built into a seemingly easy process!
Often a company will face the same problem as Billy. Instead of a direct path, employees must go through multiple indirect steps to complete a task. This can delay the completion of a task due to added time and cause frustration for employees.
It is sometimes difficult to visualize the intricacy of these convoluted processes. One method to help clarify the issue is to develop a spaghetti map. If this is a new term for you, rest assured that spaghetti mapping does not involve throwing wet noodles at a wall to see what sticks.
According to isixSigma.com, a spaghetti map is “A method that uses a continuous line to trace the path and distance traveled of a particular object or person throughout a process.” By mapping out the actual route used, it is possible to identify opportunities for process improvement and reduce wasted time.
How are you helping your employees to work smarter by reducing the amount of time they spend on non-productive activities? If you have a business process that needs a “check-up,” please email me! I’d love to help you get back to a healthy, productive workplace!
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