When I talk to business leaders about improving their processes, I often hear misconceptions that can derail or delay progress. Let’s tackle a few of these myths and uncover the truth that leads to meaningful change.

Myth #1: Process improvement is only for manufacturing

While process improvement has its roots in manufacturing, its principles—like reducing waste, standardizing workflows, and focusing on customer value—apply to any industry. Whether you’re running a school, a restaurant, or a tech startup, improving how work gets done benefits everyone.

Myth #2: It’s too expensive and time-consuming

Not all improvements require major investments. Small changes, like reorganizing workspaces or tweaking the workflow, can yield big results. For example, a client I worked with reduced cycle time by 34 minutes for a 50-unit lot by transitioning to single-piece flow—a low-cost change that made a massive impact.

Myth #3: You’ll achieve perfection

Process improvement is not about achieving perfection; it’s about creating a culture of continuous improvement. There’s always room to adapt, innovate, and get better over time.

Myth #4: Employees will resist change

Resistance often comes from fear of the unknown. Involving employees in the improvement process, showing them how it benefits their daily work, and providing training can turn skeptics into champions.

Have you encountered these myths in your organization? What other process improvement misconceptions have you heard? Let’s discuss in the comments!