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Giles Johnston

Giles Johnston

Giles is a Chartered Engineer and the author of several books on process improvement including, What Does Good Look Like? and Effective SOPs.

Process Improvement
February 15, 20240Comments

Do you play by the rules?

A lot of people hate the idea of playing by the rules, do you? I'm not one of those people. I see the benefit of having clear rules. It takes conflict
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
February 8, 20240Comments

The fastest way to mess up your system

Do you know how to mess up your business systems? Sure you do. We all do. It goes something like this: Don't train your staff. Don't use the system consistently. Don't learn from mistakes. Don't
by Giles Johnston
student writing on a whiteboard
Process Improvement
February 1, 20240Comments

How do you teach new people your system?

It's one thing to have a brilliantly designed system in your business, it's another using one. One key to having an effective system is ensuring that your team know how to
by Giles Johnston
orange star bokeh light
Process Improvement
January 26, 20240Comments

Right people versus right system

A regular debate in business is people versus systems. A common phrase, when developing a business system is 'don't we just need some great people?'. This is an alluring trap. If
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
January 20, 20240Comments

Who writes your SOPs?

I have been to many businesses where their SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) aren't used properly. Their documents lie unused, gathering dust. Their contents, not reflective of either best practice nor current practice. Worse
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
January 17, 20240Comments

The standard you walk past…

"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept." Have you heard this quote before? It is a great one to bear in mind when you are walking around your business.
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
January 14, 20240Comments

Using a skills matrix effectively

Many businesses I visit have a skills matrix. Very few of them are using them effectively when I first meet them. Do you have one in your business? What do you do
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
January 9, 20240Comments

Are you audit ready, 365?

One of the interesting conversations I have with my clients is around being audit ready. Many people despise having audits, internal or external, but we can learn so much from them. So,
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
June 25, 20230Comments

If it isn’t written down…

Why is it that so many people try to keep information in their heads? As I say to all my consulting clients: If it isn’t written down, then it doesn’t exist! This could
by Giles Johnston
Process Improvement
May 8, 20230Comments

When was the last time you did housekeeping?

Housekeeping is one of those really un-sexy business activities, especially when it comes to systems. It means that you need to update all the records in your system so they are
by Giles Johnston
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