If management wants to improve in any area of performance, it is important to not disrupt present operations. The best technique is to find little things that can make a big difference.
The key here is to find the ‘four inch’ difference. This is the idea that small changes can have profound effects. In 1957, Boeing was able to win a breakthrough deal with American Airlines by promising to expand the width of their 707 by four inches, making it roomier than the Douglas DC-8. Boeing thus became the winner in the battle to become the maker of the first commercially successful jet airliner, and thus one of the most successful airline building companies in the world.
Another ‘four inch’ difference can be seen in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, where Harold Abraham’s coach is able to gain him an additional two yard advantage over his rival Eric Liddell in the 100 yard dash by simply shortening his stride by four inches.
The ‘four inch’ difference can be used in managerial practice. Real change can happen from very little matters, if these are in areas that can make a real difference. For example, a major bank realized that their branch managers would not take initiative unless they were 'protected' from risk when done with their best judgment. This simple "four-inch" difference freed them up from looking to top management for virtually all decisions and as a result, became a bank that became known as one that was able to make quick decisions and capture a good deal of business.
It takes work to make big changes with a little difference - but that is real leadership!