The Progress Principle


In the tapestry of our professional lives, it’s often the smallest threads that weave the most significant patterns. This concept, known as the ‘Progress Principle,’ posits that the most profound source of motivation in the workplace stems from making meaningful progress in our tasks, however small. Like a gardener nurturing a seedling into a blooming plant, recognizing and celebrating small wins can lead to significant growth and fulfillment.

The Progress Principle
  1. Understanding the Progress Principle:
    Imagine you’re building a mosaic, where each tiny piece of tile is a small accomplishment. Individually, these pieces might seem insignificant, but when assembled, they create a masterpiece of progress. This principle isn’t about grand achievements; it’s about valuing the minor, yet crucial steps that lead to major milestones.
  2. Analogies to Illuminate the Concept:
  • Cooking a Gourmet Meal: Just as a chef relishes the perfect chop of an onion or the simmer of a sauce, celebrate the small tasks in your project. Each task completed is like an ingredient added, bringing you closer to the delightful final dish.
  • Running a Marathon: Every step taken is a victory in itself, a testament to endurance and will. Similarly, in your work, cherish each stride, no matter how small, as it brings you closer to the finish line.
  1. Practical Ways to Make it a Habit:
  • Daily Reflections: At the end of each day, jot down at least one small win. This could be as simple as a positive interaction with a colleague or as complex as solving a persistent problem.
  • Setting Micro-Goals: Break down large projects into bite-sized tasks. Each completed task is a small win, propelling you forward.
  • Visual Progress Trackers: Use a visual aid, like a progress bar or a checklist, to make your advancements tangible and gratifying.
  • Team Celebrations: In a team setting, acknowledge individual and collective small wins. This can be through shout-outs in meetings or a dedicated space on a communal board.


The journey towards our goals is often dotted with many small steps. By embracing the Progress Principle, we turn our focus to these steps, finding joy and motivation in each one. Like a series of brushstrokes completing a beautiful painting, it’s these small, consistent actions that lead to a masterpiece of achievements.

Call to Action
Start today by acknowledging your first small win – even reading this blog and contemplating the Progress Principle is a step forward. Remember, every great journey begins with a single, albeit small, step.

10 guiding principles for effective strategy execution

1. Just Do It - Focus on action rather than on endless deliberation.

2. Perfect is the Enemy of Good - Good is good enough. Don’t keep on refining, improving, testing, or analyzing.

3. You Can’t Have It Both Ways - Be prepared to make the tough choices. You can’t have it all.

4. There Are Many Ways to Skin a Cat - There are many ways to do something and there is not one best way.

5. Find 10,000 Ways That Won’t Work - Adopt an experimental mindset and build further on what you have learned.

6. Persist By Pulling Out - Know when to stop something and move on. This is not failure or giving up.

7. Speed Up by Taking It Slow - After having spent much time on analysis, impatience makes people jump to execution.

8. The Power of Simplicity - Strategy is complex. But especially strategy execution need not be complex.

9. We’re In This Together - Enforcing a strategy top-down is a recipe for failure. Involve and engage people across the organization.

10. No Place for HIPPOs - Strategy and execution flourish with a modest type of leader.

6M Framework

In the realm of business management and operational excellence, the 6M Framework has emerged as a pivotal model for diagnosing and enhancing organizational processes. This framework, which encapsulates Management, Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurements, and Mother Nature (Environment), offers a comprehensive lens for scrutinizing and optimizing various facets of an operation. Understanding and effectively implementing the 6M Framework can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.

1. Management

The cornerstone of the 6M Framework is Management, which underscores the role of leadership and decision-making in an organization. Effective management is characterized by strategic planning, goal-setting, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders must ensure that objectives are clear, resources are adequately allocated, and that there is a coherent strategy to guide the organization towards its goals.

2. Methods

Methods refer to the procedures, techniques, and processes used in the production or service delivery. Optimizing methods involves streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and ensuring that operations are as efficient as possible. This includes adopting best practices, continuous process improvement, and embracing innovative approaches to meet evolving business challenges.

3. Machines

Machines in the 6M Framework represent the technology and equipment used in operations. The focus is on ensuring that machinery is reliable, up-to-date, and properly maintained. This also encompasses leveraging new technologies to enhance productivity and quality, while also considering the cost-benefit aspects of technological investments.

4. Materials

Materials pertain to the raw materials, components, and supplies used in the production process. Effective management of materials involves optimizing inventory levels, ensuring quality, and reducing waste. This also includes exploring sustainable materials and supply chain practices to enhance the environmental footprint of the organization.

5. Measurements

Measurements are critical for assessing the performance of various aspects of the business. This involves establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), regular monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Accurate and timely measurements allow for identifying areas for improvement, benchmarking against industry standards, and driving strategic initiatives.

6. Mother Nature (Environment)

Lastly, Mother Nature, or the Environment, highlights the importance of considering environmental factors and sustainability in operations. This includes compliance with environmental regulations, minimizing the ecological impact, and adopting sustainable practices. Emphasizing environmental responsibility not only benefits the planet but also enhances the organization’s reputation and resilience.

The 6M Framework offers a structured and holistic approach to analyzing and enhancing business operations. By systematically addressing each of these components, organizations can achieve operational excellence, drive growth, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex business environment. The implementation of this framework requires a concerted effort across all levels of the organization and a commitment to continuous improvement.