HIDDEN CURRENTS: THE QUIET LINKS DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

Welcome to our latest edition of the Performance Improvement Journal (PIJ)! In our daily life, things that seem unrelated at first often reveal surprising connections when we take the time to look closer, we began to notice subtle connections. Much like the unseen currents beneath a calm surface, the forces that shape meaningful change often go unnoticed at first. In our daily lives, subtle patterns, like a repeated challenge at work or a moment of unexpected clarity in a conversation, can signal deeper dynamics at play. It’s only when we slow down and pay attention that we begin to recognize these quiet links, the ones that connect people, problems, and potential across seemingly unrelated situations. In performance improvement, these hidden currents guide us toward more thoughtful diagnoses and more lasting solutions.

A challenge in one organization might echo a pattern in a completely different sector, and solutions developed for one context can often be adapted in unexpected ways. When we pause to examine the systems, people, and root causes beneath the surface, we begin to see how deeply interconnected our challenges, and our opportunities, really are.

In this issue of the PIJ, we highlight four compelling case studies that traverse industrial, nonprofit, professional association, and global business environments. At first glance, these contexts might seem worlds apart, but a closer look reveals a shared commitment to the fundamental principles of performance improvement: rigorous analysis, purposeful design, and meaningful outcomes.

Dr. Michelle Thuma’s applied improvement project addresses volunteer retention at Umbrella U.S., Inc., a nonprofit advocating for the economic security of the neurodivergent community. Collaborating with the executive director, the project introduced a redesigned onboarding process that included an onboarding survey, a task-mapping process to align volunteer strengths with tasks, and formal task and role descriptions. These interventions produced clarity, empowerment, and meaningful pathways for contribution, core elements for retaining volunteers in mission-driven organizations. A crucial component of the solution was the community itself, which provided a psychologically safe space where volunteers could share strengths and support needs, fostering belonging and sustained engagement.

Drs. Frank Fu and Hong Yi introduce the Key Value Chain Analysis (KVCA), a three-step methodology that integrates principles from human performance improvement and marketing management to counteract the cognitive biases that often undermine executive decision-making. By replacing heuristic, overly simplistic analyses with structured, data-driven inquiry, KVCA enables leaders to pinpoint pain points and opportunities across their value chains. Documented successes across multiple industries in China suggest the method’s potential to enhance revenue, profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. KVCA responds to a persistent gap in both the performance improvement and business management literature by offering a practical, replicable framework for strategic diagnosis and action.

Drs. Lynne MacBain, Nancy Hastings, and Holley Handley’s article is the first in a three-part series detailing a performance improvement initiative for the Gulf Coast chapter of the ISPI. Grounded in the Performance Improvement/Human Performance Technology (HPT) model, this initial installment covers problem identification, performance analysis, and intervention recommendation. Using a mixed-methods approach, extant data analysis, interviews, and an online survey, the team identified performance gaps in strategic planning, staffing, communications, programming, and membership. Root causes included lack of vision, motivation, buy-in, and effective planning. The article concludes with two sets of proposed interventions: organizational design and organizational development, providing a roadmap for future implementation and evaluation in subsequent articles.

Dr. Syed Ahmed and Mia Jackson, M.S.E. present a Six Sigma DMAIC case study targeting a 50% reduction in the use of rental and portable air compressors at a facility that was spending approximately $824,000 annually on compressed air, including $274,000 on rentals to keep the plant operational. Through data-driven analysis and process redesign, the project achieved an approximate 50% reduction in rental and portable compressor usage, yielding up to $164,000 in yearly cost savings. Beyond the financial impact, the effort also improved air quality (e.g., reduced oil and water contamination) and equipment reliability; outcomes that reinforce the broader organizational benefits of disciplined improvement methodologies. The case underscores how structured, evidence-based approaches can unlock both operational efficiency and sustainable cost reductions.

I hope these articles remind you, performance improvement is not just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about revealing and nurturing what’s possible. By attending to the hidden currents beneath our everyday work, we uncover opportunities for connection, clarity, and change. Whether in a plant, a nonprofit, a boardroom, or a professional chapter, the principles of thoughtful analysis, tailored design, and human-centered action hold true. As practitioners, our impact is magnified when we combine analytical precision with empathy and systemic thinking. The more we look beneath the surface, the more powerfully we can shape performance that matters. Let this issue inspire you to keep exploring, questioning, and connecting in your own practice.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Are you interested in helping to shape and propel the future of ISPI? We welcome you to engage with ISPI volunteer opportunities! ISPI has many development opportunities to work closely with the Society and gain new professional and personal experiences. Volunteers can expand their network of contacts as they interact with other Performance Improvement professionals. The purpose of the ISPI Volunteer Network is to link ISPI members with development opportunities within the Society. ISPI volunteers have the opportunity to: use and expand their professional skills and knowledge, build relationships within their professional community and strengthen the field by strengthening the organization that best represents the field. Check out our volunteer opportunities here: https://www.ispi.international/volunteer-opportunities.

CALL FOR PAPERS

Do you have an idea for a paper? Have you seen a great presentation that should become an article? PIJ is actively seeking articles that cross the boundaries of domains and introduce HPT related innovations or a new approach to utilizing/teaching HPT. Your article can provide readers an opportunity to see performance improvement in action!

Please send questions to pij@ispi.org. We look forward to seeing your contributions, comments, and questions.

CALL FOR REVIEWERS

PIJ is always looking for reviewers to help evaluate and review manuscripts. Your feedback matters! The comments and feedback that reviewers supply are an invaluable contribution in our research network. Participating in the review process is an excellent way to gain first-hand experience with the publishing process. Please contact pij@ispi.org to express your interest.