Treasure the journey. Value the discoveries.

Improvement efforts are not an event or a destination. Improvements are most often mentioned as continuous improvement. This, in itself, suggests the journey rather than the destination is the holy grail.

The Pragmatic Plant Manager recognizes the value in the process the organization pursued to reach its goal. Each improvement effort is not necessarily successfull, but the experimentation and debates that occur along the way provide value to the organization. The journey is the learning that takes place. The organization discovers a bit more of who they are, what works and does not work. Individuals grow as leaders and problem solvers.

Exercise patience, allow the learning to take place. Celebrate the journey.