If you’re reading this blog, you realise that you need to implement visual management across your premises but you’re not sure where to start. No matter which sector your business operates in, this quick guide explains why visual management is so important and how to begin your journey of creating a visual workplace.
The core functions of visual management are to prevent interruption, get everyone on the same page and maximise flow. When someone is interrupted whilst carrying out focused work, studies show that on average they will lose that level of focus for eight minutes. Visual management stops employees from having to ask each other certain questions, thereby allowing everyone to remain focused on their individual tasks.
Grab a piece of paper and split it into two columns. On the left, make a list of questions that you ask your colleagues regularly, and on the right add questions that you’re asked by them. These questions essentially cover what you need to know and what you need to share.
Next, see how many of these questions could be answered if they were represented visually in an accessible way. This is the beginning of your visual management implementation, as it determines what your VM boards and other assets will communicate to the team.
Here are some questions that regularly arise in workplaces that lack visual management tools, along with visual management products that answer them:
When you know which questions need answering and which KPIs require daily measurement, you can determine whether each one is a lag measure or a lead measure. Lag measures are your ultimate goal – by the time you see them, the performance that drove them is history. Lead measures track the critical activities that drive (or lead) to the lag measure. A good analogy is if you wanted to lose a little weight, your goal weight is your lag measure and the number of steps you walk each day is your lead measure.
When both your lag measures and the lead measures are clear to everyone, you have a framework for making visual management work to your goals. As such, you’re much more likely to achieve lag if you get the lead right.
Now that you know what needs measuring and communicating, you can decide which types of visual management tools and systems will suit your departments. There’s a wide variety of VM assets available, ranging from relatively simple whiteboards and magnetic overlays to bespoke first aid stations, PPE boards, floor markings, cleaning stations and much more besides.
Whilst some of these tools will clearly be needed, others may require an expert opinion. That’s where we come in, as our visual management consultants can visit your workplace and carry out in-depth analysis, followed by identifying which VM assets are relevant and where they should be placed. In the process, we can provide bespoke training, coaching and workshops that will motivate your employees and encourage everyone to embed visual management throughout your company culture.
To sum up, if you’re looking to implement visual management and want to know where to start, the answer is Clarity. To book an initial consultation that will help you to unlock the power of visual management, get in touch with our team on +44 (0)1482 296451 or fill in our contact form.
Get in touch and speak with a Visual Management Specialist to answer any questions you may have on our products, consultancy or business.
Is your business achieving its full potential? Clarity offers a proven approach to help your business achieve its vision. Book now!
To explore more about Clarity Visual Management, get a copy of our latest introductory brochure to learn more about our service.
Jackson Way, Melton, HU14 3HJ
01482 296451
info@clarityvm.com
linkedin.com/company/clarityvm