Key lessons from high-performing Tiger economies

At a recent conference, I interacted with delegates from some of the recently developed economies of South East Asia — the so-called Tiger economies.

I was curious to know some of the finer details of what is making these economies tick. I wanted to know the magic that is making things work for them. I was keen to know the lessons that we could take from them.

The one lesson I took home was on how the workplace functions. It operates on the basis of what they called “the five S’s.” This is to say, “structurise, systematise, sanitise, standardise and be self-disciplined.”

To structurise they throw away, or return, things that are not needed within one year.

They reduce, re-use and re-cycle for maximum utility. Needed things are stored, based on low, medium and high usage weighting. Personal belongings in the workplace are kept to the minimum, for they can only add to the clutter.

As part of structurising, there is prompt action on defects, leakages, and breakages.

They are quick in troubleshooting and in rectifying mistakes.  Everybody has a daily “things to do” list. You don’t just stroll in without a clear idea of your day’s agenda. They hold only one set of tools and stationery at a time, with no hoarding.

Meetings are limited to one hour. They are concise and businesslike. Customers are not thrown from one point to another. They try to ensure that their offices are a one-stop shop for their customers. They have one location for files, servers and materials.

To systematise, they ensure that everything has a clearly designated name and home.

Every place should have ‘a responsible person’ label, to show who is in charge. They ensure security on doors and cabinets.

They ensure that the things in the workstation, such as leaflets, tools and other materials are of functional value. What is not required is discarded.  Filing standards and control master lists are strictly adhered to. All processes work on the basis of first in, first out.

On the desk the in-tray is always on left while on the right is the out-tray.

They zone, put up placement marks, signage and badges. They keep neat notice boards that are appropriately zoned and labelled, making them easy-to-read notices, complete with expiry date notices. 

To sanitise, every individual cleaning responsibility is clearly assigned.

This makes cleaning and inspection easy. They ensure that they clean the places most people do not notice.  They hold regular sparkling cleaning campaigns.

To standardise, they start with transparency.

They minimise sitting behind closed doors and putting things under covers and locks.

Their arrangements will usually be straight line, right-angled and level, in all possible circumstances. “Danger” warnings, fire extinguishers and exit signs or maps are always in place.

There exist mechanical safety measures and particular workplace instructions. Electrical wiring is neat. Switches are clearly labelled. Energy is consciously conserved. They ensure that physical handling standards and instructions are clearly shown through colour and visual management.

The five-S’s responsibility labels are placed on the floor plan, or at site. They strive to prevent noise, vibrations, hazards and ensure food safety.

They promote the implementation of the safety policy, risk assessment and fool-proofing practices.

They set up park like environment with garden office or factory, they keep a five S Museum that houses photos of before and after improvements.

They preach and practice self-discipline, with each person exercising their individual five-S’s responsibilities.

They wear suitable clothing and protection where appropriate. 

They emphasise good communication and phone practices. They practice dealing with emergencies. They have organisation chart and performance indicators.

The incremental effect of all these seemingly small things is what has set this economies on their astronomical growth. The five-S practice can be a game changer for our organisations, counties and government.