If working on continuous improvement in your work life and/or home life, review the following concept, and try to apply it daily.

I don't have the name of the originator of this acronym. However. I use it at work and at home.

Why Is This Here? – WITH.

Part of the process of applying Lean Manufacturing uses the 5s+1 methodology for reviewing the workplace (1. Sort 2. Straighten 3. Sweep/Shine 4. Standardize 5. Sustain and +1 = Safety). This is not as easy as it sounds. Touring a manufacturing facility, office environment or even your own home often shows items not in place, and in many cases not even where they should be. 

To get a feel for the process, start with your current area and surroundings. In my home office I see piles of “Gonna-Do” projects forming. Seems like they start and stall. Look at just one item/project for a few minutes. Review what is in the pile, folder or box and throw away the truly non-essential items. Decide if it is really a goal contributing project, a nice to have project, or maybe a wishful non-critical project. Why Is This Here? – WITH. You will be amazed just sitting at your own desk, home or office and look at what is out and waiting or not needed. 

I realize this thinking is not for everyone, but you will find out of place clutter in the oddest places.

Walking around with this attitude and thought process helps keep momentum going, especially if you are trying to 5s + 1 a manufacturing facility, or your own home.  Start, doing and sustaining the 5s + 1 attitude: 

1. Sort 2. Straighten 3. Sweep/Shine 4. Standardize 5. Sustain and +1 = Safety. 

Remember to ask:  Why Is This Here? – WITH.

Good Luck on your Lean Journey — Once started you will find applications everywhere.

After 35+ years in business operations and sales and I feel qualified. Not sure I would walk around proclaiming mastery of business or sales. Over the many years I feel very confident I am pretty good at business operations and sales.

As a continuous learner I have read about and have several questions about the concept of “10,000 hours to mastery of a field”.

In addition to business and sales, I have been learning and practicing a musical instrument, the banjo, for many years. I have tracked my hours of learning, and I have just over 2,200 hours logged.

This year I have also started re-learning guitar from my high school days. I have never been a good player of either instrument and certainly wouldn't play in front of anyone.

Two years ago I stepped out and went to a coaching class with other people like me. My progress has really accelerated and I now play for others and even have put some you tube videos out.

I am thinking about and exploring the 10,000 hour theory. I have to admit that in business, sales and even a musical instrument, practice quality not just total hours seems to have a very large impact on moving ahead. — So, what constitutes mastery.

I can't believe I will have mastery at the 10,000 hour time frame, just because I put in the hours. There must be a measurement of quality of learning.

As a continuous learner, I see many new books, theories and concepts coming out daily, especially on the internet. Is mastery an accomplished goal or an on-going process of self-improvement.

I'd like to think, pursue and write on this further.

Feedback and comment welcome!