The PDCA cycle: the secret engine of our daily lives

The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle is not only used to improve production processes, but can also be found in many areas of life, often without our awareness. From our everyday decisions to planning our holidays, applying the PDCA methodology can help us live more efficiently and contentedly. But what happens when we only focus on the “Do” step?

PDCA in our lives

1. Plan (Planning)

Just think about planning a holiday: choosing a destination, booking an itinerary and accommodation, preparing a budget. The planning step is essential to make your holiday smooth and enjoyable.

2. Do (Execution)

Based on the prepared plan, we will leave. We are in the “Do” phase, where we actually live the holiday, visit the planned locations and enjoy the relaxation.

3. Check (Verification)

At the end or during the holiday, we evaluate the experience: did the accommodation, the attractions, the restaurants meet our expectations? This check-up phase helps us to take stock of what went well and what didn’t.

4. Act (Intervention)

The reviews help us decide which hotels to return to, which activities to skip, or how to plan our next trip differently.

However, what happens if we only focus on the “Do” stage?

Often, people embark on activities without thoroughly planning or evaluating them. A poorly planned project or an impulse purchase of an expensive product can result in significant costs and disappointment. And a lack of control can result in failing to learn from mistakes and running into recurring problems.

In the context of a company, a “just do it” attitude can lead to serious quality problems and financial losses if processes are not planned and regularly monitored. In this context, the application of the PDCA cycle is essential to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.

Summary

The PDCA cycle is not just a business tool, it can be part of our everyday lives. People who understand and apply the principles of this cycle will be better able to manage both their personal and professional challenges. Whether it’s a family event, a home renovation or planning a corporate project, PDCA can help us better understand our processes and continuously improve them.

How do you use the PDCA in your own life? Are there any situations where you have found it particularly useful or where it has been lacking and caused problems? Share your experiences with us!

Attila Jezsó

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