ODI has been in business since 1989. It has successfully implemented the 20 Keys, and supporting programmes in a large number of companies, in a wide variety of industries, and across the world.
In celebration of this milestone achievement, we hosted a one-day conference on Thursday 29 August 2019 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. Several companies from various industries presented their case studies of business excellence and shared their achievements.
Our first speaker for the day was Len Hansen – Consultant at Astral Operations. Len’s topic of discussion was: “My Journey with Organisational Development International (ODI) since 1991.”
Len spoke about his journey with ODI and the 20 Keys over the last three decades. He referred to what is important in a Continuous Improvement search, and how back then, the book by Peter Wickens: The Road to Nissan, assisted him.
Another book that helped in the search for a suitable solution, also by Peter Wickens, was Energise your Enterprise.
This is where it became apparent that the 20 Keys programme, by Iwao Kobayashi, was the answer.
When you refer to the 20 Keys diagram, you will see that the centre of the diagram talks about energising the workplace. Iwao Kobayashi realised only too well how important it was to have an energised workplace, in order to make continuous improvements.
Len spoke about Iwao Kobayashi’s beanstalks. One beanstalk is weak but many together are strong. The same applies to the 20 Keys – when used together, they are powerful.
He referred to many lessons that were learnt over the years of implementing the 20 Keys programmes. Some very important aspects when it came to successful implementation included:
- Top Management Commitment
- Before and after photos
- Internal round robin audits
- Share learning amongst business units (Formal and informal )
- Multi-level meetings
- Results and savings
- Assist and visit morning meetings
- Disciplined times and dates of meetings
- Supervision training
- Recognition
- Dedicated project leaders
Len described this journey of implementing the 20 Keys as the most satisfying journey of his life. To have seen people develop over the years were just amazing for him. He wholeheartedly believes that when you develop people, you will grow companies.
Len also highlighted again how important the partnership with ODI has been over the years. ODI was carefully chosen as a service provider, and this is growing into a lifelong commitment.
He thanked Yoshi Kobayashi, who is now the owner of the 20 Keys programme, for continuing to live the legacy of his father. For this we are all very grateful.
Author: Huibie Jones: MD at ODI
To view the full album of our recent conference held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg on the 29th of August 2019, click here.