Continuous improvement is not just about lean manufacturing practices nor is it a goal; As we have said previously it is a methodology to achieve goals by improving processes, products or services to improve cost reductions and add value.

It is also about people and particularly people in sales and customer service roles.

Henry Ford said “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t-you’re right.”

Or this could be interpreted as “We limit ourselves by our own preconceptions of what we believe is possible” – this is particularly true in sales. How often have we heard sales people say “I had a fantastic day today” and then, when asked by a colleague or manager “How will you do tomorrow?” respond with “probably not as well as today, because today was really too good”. If you believe that tomorrow can be even better and you believe in yourself and have the ambition, will, knowledge and skills to continue to improve – it will.