At Mesa, we know that organizational improvement isn’t just about fixing inefficiencies. It’s about creating a culture of continuous progress. But once you’ve identified areas that need improvement, how do you prioritize and implement changes effectively?
Prioritizing with Value vs. Effort (V vs. E)
Not every initiative deserves immediate attention. Some changes create high impact with minimal effort, while others require more resources to execute. Categorizing them with the V vs. E framework helps teams focus their energy wisely:
- High Value, Low Effort → Quick wins, start here!
- High Value, High Effort → Worth investing in, but requires planning.
- Low Value, Low Effort → Small improvements, but don’t over-prioritize.
- Low Value, High Effort → Likely not worth the time.
Jumping into changes without this evaluation can lead to wasted resources and frustration. Smart prioritization ensures improvement efforts drive real results.
The ‘Cycle of Improvement’ – Where to Begin? Every organization is at a different stage in its improvement cycle, whether it’s:
- Recognizing the need for change
- Exploring data and root causes
- Prioritizing initiatives (V vs. E!)
- Implementing changes
- Sustaining progress long-term
Instead of rushing to implement changes, consider where your organization is in this cycle. Sometimes, the best entry point is more research, while other times, it’s launching a pilot project.
What’s been your biggest challenge in making improvements stick? Contact the Mesa PMO Team and let us help!