Getting things moving again....

Photography credit given to: http://www.jonnybadgood.com/

  After a holiday break it can sometimes be hard to get the body up and moving again the first morning of work.  Extra caffeine, long conversations and a fuzzy memory are some of the signs you may experience.  For others though getting started again is simple; they just jump back in the groove like they never even knew there was a break.  Here are three simple things you can do to jump back in the improvement groove after an "extra" day off.

How did they leave?

​  Most individuals and teams will start their holiday break off by making sure there desk area is in 5S condition and neater than they left it before.  Many studies have shown that if you take the time to clean things up, organize and set things in order the morning you come back in will be much smoother.  Think of it like planning for the day you come back.  Just like Admiral William McRaven shares in the video below: "If you wanna change the world, start off by making your bed."  If you leave your work area in a neat, tidy and in a sanitary condition you will return to an organized, more energized, calm and ready environment.  Along with these benefits comes one other notable effect.  By displaying a behavior of always maintaining a standard condition in your area, you in turn promote a culture that does the same.

Spend some time at the Gemba.

  You may be tempted to hang out by the coffee dispenser and chug down one cup after another.  While the caffeine will certainly give you a boost of energy, to much caffeine may leave you feeling anxious, frantic and disorientated.  Don't get me wrong a little energy is good for everyone, but try taking one cup to the gemba.  At the gemba you can review the process and refresh your mind while interacting and strengthening relationships with others.  Take a piece of paper with you as you visit the gemba and jot down notes pertaining to: the energy of the value stream, the load of demand placed on the team and of course any changes in the process that may have occurred in the interim.   

Photo Credit Given to: https://www.pixelsquid.com/stock-image/to-go-coffee-cup-with-lid-1018179074796820378?image=G03

Come together!

  Last but not least, bring the team together.  Take some time for icebreakers, sharing and quality time.  Though from a production efficiency standpoint this might not make any sense at all, ponder for a minute the tactical approach.  Meeting together in a morning huddle and taking 5 minutes to share one thing or begin with an icebreaker can be a nice transition that helps others feel as though they are cared for.  

1. Ask about family, friends and experiences.
2. Play a fun 5 minute game.

The key is to segway and TRANSITION back into improvements.  If you begin this way you will most likely avoid the many side conversations later.  All you have to do is show you care.

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Photo Credit Given to: http://petracoach.com/huddle-up-meeting-time/

  There you have it; three very simple things to get continuous improvement started again when you return from a holiday break.

  ***How do you reach out and re-energize teams when they return from a holiday break?***