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The Lean and visual management experts here at Clarity are dedicated to helping your teams to continuously improve their day-to-day communication. Whenever we work with our clients to create bespoke visual management boards, we make this communication simple using the 1-3-10 rule to ensure maximum employee engagement.
What is the 1-3-10 rule?
The very point of visual management boards is that they make it easy to access and digest important information very quickly. The information in question can take many forms, such as figures that represent your output, inventory, wastage, performance, people or safety. Alternatively, it could be concise text-based information that informs of any key changes, actions and events taking place.
Though the information they contain can differ enormously, what effective visual management boards always share in common is the 1-3-10 rule:
- Understand the purpose of the board in 1 second
- Understand the current status in 3 seconds
- Understand any countermeasures applied in 10 seconds
On top of this, the viewer needs to be able to digest the information from a few feet away rather than having to sit down and consult paperwork or databases. That’s what makes visual management whiteboards so effective, as they present crucial updates and insight in a fast and stress-free manner.
Defining the purpose of your VM boards
Your business revolves around a huge volume of information, so deciding the purpose of each whiteboard is the first step. Here are a few of the most common examples of what a visual management board could convey through the 1-3-10 rule:
- Show progress of projects and processes
- Identify and solve problems
- Pass key information between shifts
- Plan ahead for the day/week/month/year/project
- Drive teams to hit targets
- Suggest opportunities for improvement
- Increase individual ownership and accountability
- Improve morale by celebrating achievements
It might be that your whiteboard focuses on just one of these purposes or, more likely, combines multiple factors. Providing that the information remains digestible enough to follow the 1-3-10 rule, you really can’t go wrong.
Use magnetic overlays
If you have a specific type of board in mind, such as one that focuses on 5S workplace organisation, SQDIP, Root Cause Analysis, Key Performance Indicators, You Said We Did or a Training Matrix, enquire about our magnetic overlays. These clever products offer the functionality and professionalism of a printed board but are far more economical and easy to change when required.
Make sure to check out our range of visual management accessories too, which include magnetic markers, dial pointers, face indicators and more. These can really help to bring your whiteboards to life and greatly facilitate the 1-3-10 rule.
Go large!
Clarity’s fully bespoke heavy duty whiteboards combine large size with high impact. These visual management boards can be built to any dimensions up to 2m high and 3m wide, plus you can choose between single or double sided. They’re freestanding boards that can be moved around easily thanks to sturdy castors, complemented by a wider structure that’s built to be durable and robust.
Don’t forget the branding
We believe that whiteboards should always include your company logo, as this further enhances employee engagement. If there’s anything else you’d like adding to your boards, all you have to do is let us know.
Order yours today
Clarity’s visual management boards and magnetic whiteboards are guaranteed to help you achieve operational excellence. To find out more and to place an order, get in touch on 01482 296451 or fill in our contact form.
