The 5S method originated in Japan and as such, the 5S are Japanese words. (Lucky for us, the english translation also has 5Ses.)
The Japanese 5Ses are:
- 整理 Seiri (Sort)
- 整頓 Seiton (Systematic Arrangement)
- 清掃 Seiso (Shine)
- 清潔 Seiketsu (Standardize)
- 躾 Shitsuke (Sustain)
The English 5Ses are:
- Sort
- Straighten
- Shine
- Standardize
- Sustain
If something doesn’t have a specific place, then it’s place is everywhere. The 5S method aims to solve this problem by taking something which doesn’t have a home and giving it one.
It’s simple in theory and in practice. The only catch is that it must be sustained and sustainable.
As an illustration, let’s extraneously apply the 5S method to a bag of M&Ms.
- First we must open the M&Ms, revealing all of the colors. In order to “Sort” we must choose a criteria. For this example, color seems like an obvious choice. Once we sort the M&Ms by color, we would also dispose of the packaging, as it is waste.
- We would then “straighten” by selecting a dispenser that would be appropriate for the pellets of chocolate. In this case, let’s use shot glasses.
- We must now “Shine” or select a place to keep the glasses which is accessible, orderly and clean. Let us label each glass with the color of the M&M.
- Next we must “Standardize.” What do we do with new packages of M&Ms? What do we do when the glasses are empty? Who can eat them and when? Let’s get legalistic with our M&Ms and understand that these rules help the process function. Let us also be careful not to make the process too complex, as it won’t be sustainable. Perhaps we put a note at the bottom of each glass which reads, “Open another pack. They’re in the cupbaord.” Perhaps we put another note in front of shot glasses saying, “Free for all!”
- Finally we invite friends over and watch as they eat the M&Ms, discover the notes, open new packs, sort them into their colors and repeat.
A stupid and feeble exercise that would bring delight to the face of a psychology student (see brown eyes, blue eyes), but the point is well taken. The process must be simple and easy. If it is, you will never find a 1/2 open pack of M&Ms sitting on the counter.
How can we apply this to our lives? Where do you keep your car keys? Dirty Laundry? How do you remember appointments? How do you handle your tasks?
You see, the 5S method isn’t tied to physical objects, it can be used in a virtual space to control virtual objects. Start small and take it 1 bite at a time.