by Kimberley Hare
This week’s astonishing news that taking a small daily dose of aspirin may ward off a range of cancers (scroll down for an excerpt from the BBC website) got me pondering about a possible organizational equivalent. You see, I used to believe (perhaps in common with the majority) that taking an aspirin merely masked the symptoms of pain, rather than really addressing the root cause. Now, it seems I may have to re-think this view.
At our recent ‘Essence of Kaizen’ Showcase in November, we asked about 100 senior Learning & Development professionals what their top headaches were. The results were extremely interesting, and the Kaizen Team have already started to create products, tools, workshops and articles themed around these headaches – keep an eye on the Kaizen website over the coming months for loads of new free downloads. Here were the top five:
“How can I manage change when the goalposts keep moving?”
“More for less: How can I sustain and even improve performance when my budgets have been slashed?
“Why won’t they LISTEN! How can I transform the credibility of L & D in my organisation?”
“Engagement? I know the theory… now how do I make it a reality?”
“There’s just too much to do, and I don’t have time to do it all, even though I seem to be working harder than ever”
What might be the range of ‘aspirins’ that could ward off these challenges? We’re developing several ideas, tools and resources that could make the difference, but we’re also very curious about your ideas!
One of the most useful talks I’ve heard recently is an interview with Kaizen’s own Richard Nugent, where he talks about his particular ‘prescription’. Worth downloading to your iPod – and listening in the car or on the train. Go to Blog Talk Radio to listen to Richard’s interview on Ultimate Busines Balance
What are your top three headaches? Let us know! And, if you want to join me in reflecting on the metaphor of this week’s tip, what might be the ‘pill’ that all your people could take that would create a healthier, happier more sustainable organization? Send your thoughts to me at kim@kaizen-training.com
As well as the warm glow that comes from contributing to the debate, there’ll be a chance to win valuable prizes (including a free workshop place worth £995!) for the most interesting, provocative or practical ideas…
From the BBC website 7 December 2010: A small daily dose of aspirin – 75mg – substantially reduces death rates from a range of common cancers, a study suggests. Research at Oxford University and other centres found that it cut overall cancer deaths by at least a fifth. The study, published in the Lancet, covered some 25,000 patients, mostly from the UK. Aspirin is already known to cut the risk of heart attack and stroke among those at increased risk. However, this latest research shows that when weighing up the risks and benefits of taking aspirin, experts should also consider its protective effect against cancer.
