Sometimes, very small parts of a process can have a massive impact on overall performance.
Take Formula 1 racing.
Quite often, the winner is determined by when tyre changes are carried out .., or the speed at which they are carried out. Yet tyre changes probably account for less than 1% of elapsed time.
So, when looking at business processes, don’t ignore the small details. They may be one of the governing or influencing factors. Ask the same searching questions about every stage of the process.
Why do we do it?
Why do we do it like that?
Why do we do it at that point in the cycle?
Why does that person or team do it?
Could we eliminate it?
Could we simplify it?
Could we rearrange it?
Could we do it differently?
Keep asking these questions and you’ll find yourself on the winner’s podium.