Ravi's Journey with 5S: From Chaos to Clarity

 

Ravi's Journey with 5S: From Chaos to Clarity

Ravi had just joined a manufacturing plant as a junior quality analyst. On his first day, he felt overwhelmed by the chaos around him—piles of documents cluttered the desks, tools were scattered everywhere, and people seemed stressed and unfocused. Ravi was unsure of how he could contribute effectively in such an environment. That’s when his supervisor, Ms. Meera, introduced him to the 5S principles and how they could make work more efficient and manageable.

Seiri (Sort)

Ms. Meera explained that the first step was to Sort out everything that wasn’t necessary. She encouraged Ravi to start by organizing his own workspace and removing anything he didn’t need. Together, they sorted through tools, documents, and even email folders, keeping only what was essential. Ravi realized how much mental clutter he had also been holding onto, feeling pressure to do everything at once. By sorting his tasks by priority, he let go of unnecessary stress and focused only on the work that truly mattered.

After a few days, Ravi noticed a change in his attitude. He felt less overwhelmed and more prepared to handle each day. Seeing his clarity and focus, his team members began doing the same, removing redundant items and setting clear task priorities.

Seiton (Set in Order)

The next step, Set in Order, involved creating an organized system. Ms. Meera guided Ravi to create a designated spot for every tool and document. They labeled drawers, placed signs, and even organized digital folders in a more accessible way. Ravi enjoyed having everything in its place, knowing exactly where to find the tools and documents he needed.

Ravi realized that the concept of “setting in order” extended beyond his desk—it influenced his workflow too. He began to schedule tasks according to importance and deadline, creating an ordered rhythm to his day. Soon, he noticed he was spending less time searching for tools or information, which allowed him to finish tasks faster. His team noticed the efficiency and began adopting the same practices, making their shared workspaces tidier and more efficient.

Seiso (Shine)

Once everything was in order, Ms. Meera introduced Shine, or the practice of regular cleaning and maintenance. Every Friday, they set aside an hour to clean their work areas, check tools for damage, and ensure everything was in perfect working condition. This small act of cleaning and caring for the workspace made Ravi feel a new sense of pride in his job.

He found himself more motivated to keep his area spotless and noticed a boost in his mood and energy each time he came to a clean workspace. His actions inspired others, and soon, the entire team joined in, keeping the environment welcoming and safe.

Seiketsu (Standardize)

After a few weeks, Ms. Meera introduced Standardize to Ravi and his team. They created checklists, standard operating procedures, and consistent ways of maintaining their workspaces. These standards became a part of their daily routines, helping Ravi stay organized even on busy days.

For Ravi, standardization meant creating personal routines that made his job easier. For example, he began each morning by checking his tools and reviewing his tasks for the day. He and his team could now rely on these routines to keep things running smoothly, even during high-pressure times.

Shitsuke (Sustain)

Finally, Ms. Meera taught Ravi about Sustain. “This last step,” she said, “is the hardest but also the most rewarding. We need to make these practices a habit.” She encouraged him to keep following these steps, even when things got busy or when he felt tempted to skip a step. Slowly, Ravi developed self-discipline, and the 5S habits became second nature.

Ravi’s consistency inspired others, and over time, his team fully embraced the 5S principles. Their workspace stayed clean, organized, and efficient. They began meeting deadlines faster, errors reduced, and team morale increased.

The Outcome

Ravi’s journey with 5S not only improved his workspace but also influenced his entire team. By applying each principle, Ravi learned to prioritize, organize, and take pride in his work. These small, consistent actions helped him and his team become more productive and transformed the department's culture. The factory noticed the improvement and eventually rolled out the 5S principles across other departments.

Through 5S, Ravi didn’t just clean up his workspace—he reshaped his mindset and helped build a stronger, more efficient team culture. The plant’s performance improved, and Ravi became known as a quality champion, inspiring others to bring clarity and order to their work.

This story illustrates how applying 5S to human behavior promotes discipline, pride, and a shared commitment to excellence in any workspace.

Dr. Mohite Mentoring

www.drmohitementoring.com