Subject: Summer Continuous Improvement Newsletter!
From: "Wisconsin DOA Strategic Management & Planning" <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:06:33 +0000

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Continuous Improvement Newsletter Header 

 

Happy August, CI Community!

We hope everyone has been enjoying their summer. As we look ahead to the return of school and the falling of leaves, we’re reminded that change is inevitable—and as CI advocates, we’re practiced in welcoming change. Whether it’s a five-year project coming to fruition, or a "Just Do It" improvement completed in a few months, positive change is everywhere in the CI community.

One challenge many of us face is recognizing when something can be improved. Many times, we feel uncertain about what the first step is to start making meaningful changes. Often, we find ourselves in the midst of an improvement before realizing we are practicing CI. If you resonate with any of these situations, know you are not alone! Reach out to your Agency CI Contact [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/Resources/AgencyRepresentatives.aspx ] for guidance on how to start and capture your improvement. To feel more confident when starting an improvement, take one of the State’s CI Training [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/GetInvolved/ProjectForms.aspx ] courses. Remember, any improvement is important and worth sharing. By being part of the CI community, you are supported by like-minded individuals who encourage positive change, share ideas, and are eager to learn about the good work happening across Wisconsin.

In this newsletter, we highlight two significant projects from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Justice. These examples show how improvements can be identified, and captured, anywhere. After reading through our newsletter, we challenge you to take five minutes to reflect on the improvements your team is making. Celebrate your team’s efforts, and the State of Wisconsin, by capturing your improvement using the CI Project Form [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/GetInvolved/ProjectForms.aspx ], sharing the good work with your fellow CI community members!

 

Project Highlights

 

 

DVA Reduces Footprint and Saves Money!

Following the release of the Telework Audit last December, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) implemented all 28 best practices. After this successful implementation, it became clear that WDVA had an abundance of unused office space, leading to excessive spending. In light of new recommendations, WDVA reviewed their telework employees, office square footage, and explored ways to cut excessive spending on office space.

This proactive move showcases how CI can address cost problems by identifying ways to reduce spending. By optimizing their office space, WDVA is projected to save more than $200,000 in rental costs. As agencies across the state evaluate their office needs, remember to seek positive change and report improvements using our CI Form.

Continuous Improvement Gears  

DOJ's Equity Lens 

The implementation of the equity lens framework at the Department of Justice (DOJ) addressed a significant process problem by recognizing and seizing the opportunity to make policy development more equitable. Previously, policies were created without a standardized method to evaluate their impact on underserved and marginalized groups, leading to unintentional barriers and inequities. The updated policy review framework provided a structured approach to incorporate equity considerations.

Formally adopted into the DOJ Policy Manual, the equity lens framework laid the groundwork for more inclusive and fair policies. It did this by defining a clear process for analyzing policy impacts on various demographic groups and by conducting comprehensive analyses to identify potential barriers. The framework also emphasized capacity building and established an Operations Group to promote transparency and collaboration. Not only did this improve the policy review process within DOJ, but it is continually helping to foster a more equitable and just environment.

 

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CI Process Mapping Template

Process problems are the cornerstone of our Yellow Belt program and are great improvements to lead with a team. An important step to solve a process problem is process mapping, where you outline each step and decision taken to identify where the process can be improved. To start identifying your improvement, download our Excel Process Map Template [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/Resources/Templates.aspx ] found on our CI Website.

Process map shapes 

Upcoming Training

White Belt Trainings

  * September 25th, from 9am-12 pm  
  * DOA building (101 E Wilson St Madison, WI) 

  * November 6th, from 9 am-12 pm 
  * Virtual 

Yellow Belt Trainings

  * November 6th, 8:30 am-4:30 pm 
  * TBD 

*Start the Yellow Belt Certificate [ https://ess.wi.gov/psc/ess/EXTERNAL/HRMS/s/WEBLIB_WI_CS.ISCRIPT1.FieldFormula.Iscript_CSLogin_Default?DestURL=/ui/lms-learner-search/search?query=YELLOWBELT ] on Cornerstone today!*

 

Click to learn more about Continuous Improvement Community of Practice (CI COP) [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/GetInvolved/CoP.aspx ]

 

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Share Your Feedback

Leave your comments using our Feedback Box [ https://forms.office.com/g/nSVeP7yuUF ] and tell us how we can improve! Share your ideas for additional content, ways to improve, CI knowledge you're most interested in, and more.

 

 

CI Resource Center

Agency CI Contacts [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/Resources/AgencyRepresentatives.aspx ]

  
CI Project Forms [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/GetInvolved/ProjectForms.aspx ]

  
Improvement Templates [ https://improvement.wi.gov/Pages/Resources/Templates.aspx ]

 

Continuous Improvement Helping One Another Up Stairs 

 

 

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