During my career, I enjoyed learning Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement tools. I especially liked applying those tools to the “soft” side of life. You don’t need certifications or months of training to start benefit from process improvement tools. If we break down the thinking and science behind process improvement, we can simplify those tools. The basic concepts can be used at home, at work, and with kids.

For example, the other day I sketched I-P-O on a piece of paper for my son: Input → Process → Output and worked through an example with him.

Step 1: Start with the Output
Ask: What outcome do we want?
Example: “Finish assignments on time.”

Step 2: Identify the Inputs
Ask: What’s needed to make that outcome possible?
Example: “A list of assignments, a quiet workspace, time carved out to do homework.”

Step 3: Define the Process
Ask: What steps will we take to get there?
Example: “Review the assignment list after school, set a timer, complete work before screen time.”

This can take just a minute and still make a difference. Tools like this remind us that there’s always a way to influence the outcomes we care about through our own actions.