A simple Lean practice, easy for some to forget yet with the potential to generate a significant number of improvements, is the Plus-Delta. At the conclusion of any activity, be it a meeting, errand, vacation, bike ride – anything – take a few moments to assess what behaviors and actions created value and are worth repeating, and what improvements to behaviors and actions should be considered for implementation next time the activity takes place.
The Plus-Delta practice is commonly undertaken by groups following meetings, but there is no reason an individual should not use the practice following a solo activity such as a walk or drive to the store. Or a family can use Plus-Delta following a vacation to help them plan a next vacation that is even better. After all, continuous improvement need not be limited to work – we can all be seeking to live better, more rewarding lives.
A collection of Plus-Delta observations is available on Tom Richert’s personal website. In some cases the wording of the Pluses and Deltas have been modified to protect team confidentiality.
If you would like to add to the collection send me an email with a Plus-Delta title, the Pluses and the Deltas. We can learn not only from our own experiences but also from each others’.
Best regards,