Process Improvement

I worked for over 20 years in a corporate business and one of the things that I was often involved in was process improvement.  We often used a methodology called “Six Sigma”.  Based on my corporate experience, I hate waste and unorganized methods.  I do volunteer work in Clay County and we interface with a corporation who has primary responsibility in the process.  I have done this volunteer work for almost three years.

Here is my issue.  I see such lack of communication between the organizations and lack of processes.  The time I spend on my volunteer work is often extended because I don’t have the information I need. I see so many improvements that could be made if the process between the two organizations was looked at with an objective eye.  I am sure this would take time but I believe it could improve the process and help us all do a better job possibly even saving time and money.   I have brought this up several times to our volunteer leader who is a paid employee and have received no help and actually discouragement in that she stated that there was no interest by the other organization in making improvements that would help us.   Frankly, I question if there is any interest in my own volunteer organization.  I have thought about going around my coordinator but if the real scenario is no one is interested in improvement and this kind of unorganization is in every volunteer organization, then I have just created ill feelings and added no value.  I realize this is very vague but I do not feel comfortable nor am I in a position to name these two groups.  However, I do wish to know if this is prevalent in other volunteer organizations.  You input would be appreciated.

BTW, another pet peeve of mine is the back office of doctor’s offices. Love my doctor, hate his office but that’s another story.