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3 Operational Excellence Myths That Are Holding Your Business Back (and How to Overcome Them)

 

"Too expensive," "Too complicated," "Not suitable for us"... When it comes to optimizing their operations, too many entrepreneurs, whether in Dakar or Lyon, hide behind these limiting beliefs. Yet, in today's economy, neglecting internal efficiency means sailing into a storm with an incomplete map. Let's debunk three preconceived notions that may be preventing you from unlocking your organization's full potential.

 

 

Myth 1: "It's a gas factory for large multinationals."

 

• Reality: Operational excellence begins with common-sense principles that apply everywhere. An African SME that formalizes its recruitment process to onboard new talent more quickly is practicing operational excellence. A French craftsman who reorganizes his workshop to save 30 minutes a day is doing the same.
• Proof in numbers: According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), micro and small businesses that adopt formal management practices see their productivity increase by an average of 10 to 15%.
• Our advice: Start small. Identify ONE critical process, often a source of errors or delays, and optimize it. The benefits will be immediate and visible.

 

Myth 2: "It will kill my team's creativity and initiative."

 

• Reality: When properly understood, operational excellence unleashes creativity instead of stifling it. By eliminating tedious tasks, waste, and frustrations related to flawed processes, you free up time and mental energy for your teams to innovate and focus on real value.
• Concrete Example: The TOYA Group in Morocco, operating in the construction sector, has implemented rigorous project management methods. The result? Their teams are no longer overwhelmed by logistical problems and can focus on technical innovation and customer satisfaction, a real driver of growth.

 

Myth 3: "Results aren't measurable."

 

• Reality: Quite the opposite is true. Operational excellence is inherently measurable. It relies on concrete indicators (KPIs): production cycle time, defect rate, service level (on-time deliveries), cost price, etc.
• Proof in Figures: A study by the Lean Enterprise Research Centre showed that typically, 60% of process activities add no value to the customer (waiting, rework, unnecessary travel). Targeting and eliminating even a fraction of this waste has a direct and immediate financial impact on your cash flow.

 

Operational excellence is neither a luxury nor consultant jargon. It's a pragmatic management philosophy that involves doing better with less, everywhere and at any scale. It's time to replace these myths with a clear vision: optimizing your processes means optimizing your profitability and your ability to sustain yourself.

 

Do you think your processes could be more efficient? Take our quick quiz, "What is your company's operational maturity level?" and get a personalized assessment in 24H.