114. Process Improvement with Chuck Knabusch: Insights, In-depth Experience, and Key Leadership Takeaways



On this riveting episode, Chuck Knabusch, a seasoned expert of process improvement, joins us to share his invaluable insights on how to develop an efficient process. As the author of the book, “Hope is Not a Business Strategy,” Chuck emphasizes the significance of planning and consistency in creating a productive business environment. Listen in as he explains the concept of processes, how they are a series of steps that should produce a product or service consistently, and his experiences with process mapping in various business contexts.

As the discussion continues, Chuck delivers practical advice on the right mindset and structure needed to enhance your business processes. He emphasizes the need for having the right team, one that understands the process, and can effectively make necessary changes. He further underscores the importance of having feedback loops, performance metrics, and creating an environment of continuous improvement. Hear about his hands-on experience of engaging with workers at one of his plants to improve the process, reduce strain on the workers, and how he used visual cues, like post-it notes and bright colors, to aid process improvement.

Towards the end of our conversation, Chuck touches on managing crisis situations and the role of proactive planning in preventing them. He shares a real-life experience where he had to navigate a crisis situation at one of his previous workplaces. Lastly, Chuck reflects on the importance of confident leadership in process improvement and shares three key takeaways: having a business strategy, focusing on process improvement, and measuring improvement. So tune in, learn from the expert, and start implementing these process improvement strategies in your own business today!