The world of wine is full of long term thinking. Barrels sitting for years while wine slowly ages and then into bottles where it likely sits for longer. Then finally the cork pops for a well balanced glass with dinner. The real question is, can we learn productivity tips from winemakers?
Absolutely we can!
Their ability to use long term planning and ongoing improvements are skills we can all use.
Working in seasons
Much like standard farmers growing beans and corn, as the seasons change the work does too. Some seasons are all about pruning and watering. Some are about harvest, and some are all about making sure the vines are ready for the upcoming growing seasons.
In your work and life, how things work change with the seasons. You might be entering into a heavy sales season, or a low sales season, both of which require very different approaches. Last season might have been more open allowing for analysis of processes to reduce defects and now its time to ramp up production.
Take a moment and think of how the work you’re doing today and this season can determine how well the next might go. Are you working on what really needs to be done?
Ongoing tracking
Winemakers have to routinely check their products to see if its aging well, needs a change or if any funky flavors are developing that shouldn’t. A report from Dimensional Insights discusses technology being developed and used that recreates a tongue that can find spoilage early! Tracking also helps a winemaker understand how changing conditions change the final flavor and know when to change this later.
What are the critical points along your day and in your processes? If there is something specific that needs to be done or look a specific way then you have a key indicator. Start recording some aspects around those key indicators and you will begin finding the areas that need focus. This process is actually a key function of six sigma certified professionals.
Long-term perspective
A major factor in boosting productivity is looking at things in a long term way. Winemakers have to think about the level of wine they need to make years from the present.
In our work, sometimes we have to look at how our efforts today and each day contribute to accomplishing things 5 years from now. Doing upkeep maintenance can keep a piece of equipment functioning instead of breaking down years from now. Taking the time to create a great process could save you hundreds of hours over the long term.
Take a moment to think on what the long term goals you’re working on really are. If you don’t know, then be sure to ask!
