5S for improvement initiatives often start with a burst of energy and enthusiasm, but they candeteriorate over time, resulting in a backslide to pre-existing conditions. This phenomenon is not limited toorganizational change, but it's particularly challenging inorganizational environments wheremultiple demands and competing priorities can derail progress.
So, what causes improvements to backslide and how can you prevent it? One major reason is the lack of a clear plan formaintaining improvements beyond the initial phase. Often, efforts focus solely on getting a project off the ground, neglecting the vital aspect oflong-term maintenance.
Another key factor contributing to the backslide is the absence of ongoingsupport and resources. In many cases, teams areunderstaffed, under-equipped to maintain newly implemented processes and systems. As a result, momentum sputters, and efforts ultimately collapse.
Additionally, the problem of complacency often plays a role in the backslide.
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