The method described in the following will help you enhance the strengths of your company or your team and reduce weaknesses. Issues such as work flows, product quality, stress, occupational safety and health - there are many aspects for a gradual optimization within a continuous improvement process (KVP). The core strategy is based on holding regular talks with employees following a set model, referred to as "brainstorming meetings" - it's easy!

As an executive, do you wish to improve the operational situation? Are you interested in implementing a continuous improvement process? Do you endeavour to recognize or reduce psychological stress in your company? Are you willing to actively integrate everyone? Do you place confidence in your employees to solve problems independently? Are your employees willing to become actively involved in improvements?

If so, you should keep in mind the following points:

• At the start of the process, you as an executive must clearly point out to your employees:

  • why the brainstorming meetings are essential for the company or the department.

  • what the targets of the brainstorming meetings are.

  • how brainstorming meetings should be conducted.

• The aim of the brainstorming meetings is to find solutions. Reasons or guilt are insignificant. All solutions that support your employees or yourself are essential - irrespective of who suggested them or the reasons for suggestion.

• At the beginning, the emphasis will be on organizational problems. However, with increasing experience and confidence in the brainstorming meetings, general obstacles can be discussed and dealt with.

To obtain general information on work-related psychological stress and strain, we recommend the brochure "Arbeiten: Entspannt - gemeinsam - besser." ("Working: relaxed, together, better" (DGUV Information 206-006).