How Is Action Workout™ different from the GE Work-OUT! Program

What is the core problem solving model of Action Workout?

What is the difference between Rapid Lean Six Sigma and Action Workout?

How do I get started with Action Workout?

Specifically, we have added discipline and structure to improve implementation, follow-through and results tracking on ideas developed by Workout teams. The upfront “Workout Event” design and delivery is the easy part of Workout. What is harder to duplicate is GE’s relentless commitment to hold individuals accountable for implementation and results coming out of a Workout session. It is this “culture of consequences” established at GE that is the real secret to their success with Work-OUT!

Unfortunately, most Workout methodologies offered focus on the Event Design and Delivery leaving implementation and follow-through to chance. Action Workout’s unique Team Toolkits provide teams and sponsoring managers with a step-by-step process for ensuring follow-through on ideas and documentation of results.

Another key difference in the Action Workout System is the addition of tools from the disciplines of Lean, Innovation and Six Sigma delivered “just-in-time” to teams as they work on projects. This unique “action learning” approach offers organizations the ability to benefit from advanced process improvement techniques even if they are not ready to support a “full-blown” Lean Six Sigma Deployment.

Action Workout works on the principle of engaging those closest to the problem in identifying, prioritizing, implementing and measuring the impact of ideas that will have a big impact on performance. The key to Action Workout is its “innovation based” approach to problem solving. Action Workout starts with making sure all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the problem and then utilizes a variety of brainstorming techniques to put all of the potential solutions on the table and evaluate them for impact and feasibility.

By taking an innovation or idea-based approach to problem solving, Action Workout avoids the common traps of “analysis paralysis” and team member burnout commonly associated with process improvement/problem solving teams.

You can think of Action Workout as Lean Six Sigma “lite”. Action Workout incorporates many of the tools and techniques from Lean Six Sigma, but is not dependent on the development of the organization infrastructure and “Belt” system associated with Lean Six Sigma Deployments.

Action Workout is ideal for organizations that are looking for a structured approach to business improvement, but cannot commit the resources to developing the infrastructure to support a Lean Six Sigma deployment.

In our experience, Lean Six Sigma efforts struggle and mostly fail if they are not in the top three on the list of the CEO or equivalent’s critical objectives. It’s that simple! If you have that level of Senior Leader commitment, then our Rapid Lean Six Sigma approach offers the fastest, most cost-effective path to converting that commitment into bottom-line results and the development of a Lean Six Sigma Culture.

If you are looking for a structured approach to business improvement, but need to build toward full Senior Leader commitment, Action Workout is often the best option for converting interest into real commitment for change at all levels of the organization.

For organizations looking for a way to drive rapid improvement and build leadership commitment, the right getting started plan typically involves the identification and launch of three to five Rapid Action Projects.

A three to five team Rapid Action Sprint delivers significant results without hindering the organization’s ability to meet daily operational objectives. Rapid Action Teams typically deliver $50,000 - $250,000 in documented results per project. Enough to get executives excited and build commitment for expanded deployment.

Contact us at info@actionworkout.com to learn more about how to get started with Action Workout.