The Evolution of a Change Champion: Carl Appleton

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast as we welcome Carl Appleton, Co-Founder of Shape Associates and a true advocate for technology-driven efficiency. Carl's remarkable journey from the Royal Navy to the Hampshire Fire Service and eventually to the Ports of Jersey as a Process Improvement Manager is a testament to the power of adaptability and seizing new opportunities.

In this episode, Carl shares his invaluable insights on embracing continuous improvement, leveraging Microsoft 365 for maximum efficiency, and overcoming cultural and organisational challenges. Discover how questioning processes and applying common sense can lead to successful process improvements and hear real-world examples of leaders empowering their teams to challenge the status quo.

We'll take a light touch on the generational differences in technology adoption and how demonstrating the benefits of digital solutions can bridge the gap between younger and older employees. Carl's firefighting background brings a unique perspective on prioritisation and maintaining focus, ensuring that every improvement effort is both effective and timely.

Fostering a collaborative and supportive culture is key to successful process improvement, and Carl emphasises the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where innovation can thrive. Learn how continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and staying curious are vital for personal and professional growth in the realm of continuous improvement.

One of the highlights of this episode is Carl's emphasis on engagement and buy-in from leadership. Hear how senior leaders at the Port of Dover set the tone for continuous improvement events and the powerful message it sends to their teams.

Finally, Carl's dedication to simplifying complex concepts makes continuous improvement accessible to everyone. By using plain language and relatable examples, he ensures that participants can grasp and apply what they learn effectively, making sustained change a reality.

Don't miss this enlightening and inspiring conversation with Carl Appleton. Tune in to gain practical advice, actionable insights, and the motivation to embrace continuous improvement in your own career and organisation.

Key Takeaways from Conversation with Carl Appleton

1. Adaptability in Career Transitions:

• Carl's transition from the Navy to the Fire Service and eventually to the Ports of Jersey demonstrates the importance of adaptability and seizing new opportunities for continuous growth. Carl's journey started with a Yellow Belt training course and rapidly progressed to a process improvement manager role, highlighting the value that embracing continuous improvement methodologies can have for career advancement.

Questioning Processes and Applying Common Sense:

• Success in process improvement often stems from a natural inclination to question existing processes and apply common sense to find better solutions. Question everything and keep it simple are key message I picked up from Carl.

Overcoming Cultural and Organizational Challenges:

• Addressing resistance within hierarchical structures requires fostering a culture of trust, reducing unnecessary checks, and empowering employees to embrace change. Carl gave some great examples where leaders have empowered their teams to embrace continuous improvement, giving them the key the city, the power to challenge every process in the search for waste. This empowerment is a great motivator, and really is a key necessity if you want to get the most out of continuous improvement methods.

Leveraging Microsoft 365 for Efficiency:

• Utilising tools like Microsoft Lists, Power BI, and Power Apps can streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and enhance overall productivity, maximising the ROI of existing software. But before you invest in these platforms and systems, look at what you have already, are you maximising its potential? Is there any juice left to squeeze?

Adapting to Generational Differences:

• Understanding and addressing generational differences in technology adoption was another area that we touched on. Carl explained that he does find a clear divide in a willingness to adopt digital methods between generational types. Demonstrating the benefits and ease of digital solutions can help bridge the gap between younger and older employees. One size doesn’t fit all, something to consider when preparing you communication approach to change.

Prioritization and Perspective:

• Drawing from his firefighting background, Carl emphasises the importance of prioritising tasks and maintaining perspective. Not every decision is critical, and a pragmatic approach leads to effective improvements.

Fostering Collaboration and Supportive Culture:

• A supportive culture where team members assist each other fosters a more productive and positive work environment. Encouraging collaboration over finger-pointing is key to successful process improvement. It’s all about creating a positive, psychologically safe environment, where innovation thrives and scientific thinking is used to try things, with no blame if it doesn’t work out. It’s all about learning.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

• Embracing change, seeking mentorship, and staying curious are vital for personal and professional growth in continuous improvement. Having frontline operational experience is invaluable for process improvement managers or change leaders, providing essential credibility, empathy, and understanding.

Engagement and Buy-In from Leadership:

• Strong engagement and visible support from senior leadership is so important for the success of process improvement initiatives. Carl’s example for how the Senior Leadership at the Port of Dover open and close the continuous improvement events is just brilliant. The message this sends to the team just cannot be underestimated.

Simplifying Complex Concepts:

• Making methodologies understandable is crucial. Using plain language and relatable examples ensures that participants can grasp and apply what they learn effectively. It’s all about knowing your audience, adapting your delivery methods, and making it meaningful. If you don’t tick these boxes, sustaining any change will be a challenge.

🔗 Links to Carl's resources:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-appleton-5b6161113/

Shape Associates - https://www.shapeassociates.com/

 

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