4 + 1: Embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement in Financial Services

In the first edition of this book, the authors shared their extensive industry experience to explain 5 simple habits that support embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement. This updated second edition, with more than 60 additional pages, expands on the learning and shares how to progress the development of the habits through three levels of maturity.

The authors combine their seventy years of collective experience in Lean and business improvement to present 5 basic habits to the reader that are easy to learn yet take years to master. A Culture of Continuous Improvement in your organisation will start to develop almost as soon as the habits are applied and continue to mature as they are mastered.

Case studies in two of the world's leading banking organisations demonstrate how the Culture of Continuous Improvement has been applied in real-world situations. The authors also discuss the underlying neuroscience to explain why these habits actually work. This book is essential reading for leaders and business improvement professionals alike.

"Embedding Continuous Improvement is at the heart of creating a world-class business. In the first edition the authors explored the what, why and how to do this in this excellent book. In this second edition they have added a whole new chapter on how to mature each of the habits through three levels providing a proven path to success. A must-read for those in the financial services industry or just those who wish their organisations to be world class."

- Professor Peter Hines, Chairman, SA Partners & visiting professor, Waterford Institute of Technology

"The Productivity Habits seem so simple in explanation but they have really driven great conversations at all levels in our business to continually improve customer experiences and business results. Why would you not want all of your organisation to use them?"

- Paul Newham, Executive General Manager, Group Operations, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

"This is a very practical and relevant book for anybody wanting to create or enhance a continuous improvement culture within an organisation. The authors share real experience, lessons learnt, what to look out for and how to approach for success. This is a must-read for anybody seeking guidance in this space."

- Christian Dalle Nogare, Director, Lean Design Practice at Westpac Banking Group

"This book summarises in a nutshell what CI is about. Though focused on financial services, it's a must-read for every leader who wants to improve their business. It captures the CI essentials to transform your business to become best in class."

- Klaus-Martin Vierhaus, Head of Process Excellence at Bank Julius Baer