What is a Continuous Improvement Mindset?
Continuous improvement is an essential concept in business and in life. It suggests that no matter what the situation, improvement is always possible and should be strived for.
Is a Continuous Improvement Mindset Stressful?
I have recently read an article which suggested that adopting a continuous improvement mindset is negative because it imposes stress and suggests that we can never be happy; because no matter how good we are, we could and should be better. The article suggested that we should not take continuous improvement "too seriously" in order to preserve our happiness.
False Choice
There is no choice to be made between adopting a continuous improvement mindset and being happy.
It is perfectly possible to be both.
We call this mindset "happy, but not satisfied."
Happy, But Not Satisfied
This philosophy means that on each and every day, we are happy with what we have achieved so far, but we do not feel a sense of self-satisfaction; indeed, we feel excited about doing everything we can to actualise our full potential.
Continuous Improvement is Not a Demand for Perfection
Continuous improvement is an adventure where each and every day, we do whatever we can to add the maximum value to our friends, customers and family by developing our own skills.
Continuous Improvement Makes Us Happy
We do not believe that we have to choose between happiness and continuous improvement. Indeed, we believe - in fact, we know for certain - that it is possible to be happy as we work to fulfil our potential.
Continuous Improvement in Practice
To implement the philosophy of continuous improvement, we simply ask and answer the same questions every day:
- What is our goal?
- What is our plan to achieve the goal?
- What are our next three top priority actions?
- How will we measure our progress?
- What is going well for us?
- What is not going well?
- In relation to what is not going well, what do we need to change in our plan, or our action, that will get us back on track?
- How can we improve upon things we are already good at?
Eight Continuous Improvement Questions
Asking and answering these eight continuous improvement questions, and then acting on the answers, is a simple way to ensure that we are making continuous progress towards a better future.
Visions of a better future are the basis of optimism, and optimism leads to happiness.
This is how we can blend happiness with continuous improvement.
Personal Development Training
If you would like to know more about how to be happier and how to achieve more at work, then please attend our personal development training.
continuous improvement mindset
In business, a continuous improvement mindset is a mental attitude that urges you to make small daily steps forward, stay pleased with present gains yet eager for more, guide progress with clear goals and measures, and treat growth as an endless journey rather than a quest for faultless results.
CG4D Definition
Context: Business
Genus: Mental attitude
- Drives deliberate, incremental progress every day
- Balances current happiness with future ambition
- Relies on goal-setting, tracking and reflective questions
- Rejects perfectionism, viewing growth as a lifelong pursuit
Article Summary
A continuous improvement mindset lets you feel happy with today's progress yet not satisfied; by asking eight simple daily questions and acting on the answers, you keep moving forward and add more value to work, friends and family.