Today's TQ

Daily Lessons in Intentional Excellence
Friday, November 6, 2026

Have You Installed Preventive Maintenance Into Your Systems?

Constantly improve your systems. Take time when things are going smoothly to review your systems, equipment and processes. Look for additional options and better alternatives to improve what you already have. It's always better to choose a change rather than to be forced into making one.

An hour spent improving your systems today will save days of downtime later.

Today's TQ Challenge: Find New Ways To Do More By Doing Less.

Choose to be INNOVATIVE! What would you change about your systems if you could? Why don't you?
Choose to be PROGRESSIVE! Have you solicited suggestions for improvement from anyone else recently?
Choose to be CREATIVE! What one area of improvement to your systems would generate the greatest return in productivity today?

It's always better to choose a change, than to be forced into making one. When things are going smoothly, take the time to review your systems, equipment and processes. Look for new options and better alternatives. Get creative. Read the trade journals and find out how the best-of-the-best created and use their systems. Look at your work from your customer's, supplier's or competitor's perspective. You can always find a more efficient, productive or enjoyable way to complete your work.

"Time = Life, Therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life." ~ Alan Lakein

Think about it. How well and how often do you actually DO Organize Factor 8I?

"I'm constantly improving my systems to make them more productive."

A high commitment (8I rated 8 or better) suggests you are constantly experimenting with, and implementing new ideas. You may already lead the pack in efficiency. However, the benefits you've gained motivates you to improve your systems even more. You understand that to be successful, you don't necessarily have to work any harder -- you just have to work a little smarter. So you are on the constant lookout for new systems, methods, techniques, technology, tools, consultants or training that can help you gain an edge. Once discovered, you waste no time implementing the ideas found.

On the other hand...

A lack of commitment suggests you are someone who is falling behind the pack. Your old system developed years ago is not perfect, but it's still good enough. You remember to call most people back. All of your correspondence gets completed eventually. Clients usually get the information they need. You believe that change isn't always that great. In fact, sometimes it can be a real nightmare. Remember the time you put that new voice mail system on your phone line and had to learn all those new commands? What a pain.

What happens when you CHOOSE to do Factor 8I a bit more frequently?

You are constantly improving and consistently producing better results. You accumulate performance positives like "Innovative, Progressive and Creative" -- immediately moving you towards the results you expect.

What happens when you FAIL to consistently do Factor 8I?

Your systems and standards are no longer acceptable compared to the competition. Negatives like "Outdated, Declining and Stagnant" start to take their toll on your performance -- quickly moving you away from the success you want.

Now Ask Yourself This...
Is Factor 8I Causing You Problems?

If you believe this factor is a key performance obstacle -- and that it's preventing you from realizing your personal dreams and goals -- then you need to improve it.

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