One percent improvement by everyone, every day

We live in two different worlds: One is where few people live trying to see the invisible and make sense of it. The other is where we see many visible things and yet we ignore them because they are too trivial. Thus, we apply different standards to these two worlds.

- REY ELBO

One thing is clear, however, we don't talk about invisible things.

Why bother? They can't be seen, much more appreciated, except by a few academics, consultants and management practitioners who are looking for true wisdom. Conversely, many people see things as they are and yet ignore them.

Once people ignore them, mistakes can happen everywhere, including in the workplace.

One example of a management policy that is often ignored in the workplace is the clean-as-you-go (CLAYGO) policy, being part of an overall 5S good housekeeping system.

In many organizations, CLAYGO is usually applied in cafeterias, training rooms and office toilets. You can see it happening when canteen table tops and toilet mirrors are peppered with signages pleading for everyone's cooperation.

CLAYGO has become a standard for cleanliness, orderliness and discipline that inexpensive but beautifully designed mini posters are on sale on the internet.

The challenge is how to secure 100 percent cooperation from employees, even guests or outsiders. Should management impose a fine on employee violators? Per my experience, it would not work that way. Penalizing errant workers could have long-term negative effects, especially when they believe CLAYGO should be done by busboys and janitors.

However, that issue could be shot down by management telling people that hiring busboys and janitors can increase the cost, including the price of their meals in the cafeteria.