The distance between your current frontline performance and perfect execution represents your largest untapped opportunity. We’ve helped 150+ organizations systematically close this gap through our Mission-Directed Work Teams (MDW) methodology.
CLOSING THE EXECUTION GAP
1. Frontline Performance 2. Perfect Execution Close this gap through MDW
THE PROBLEM (Why this matters)
Why 70% of Improvement Initiatives Plateau
Most manufacturing organizations experience the same frustrating pattern: initial improvement followed by plateau and regression. The problem isn’t lack of tools or techniques—it’s attempting transformation without understanding the journey.
Unsustainable Gains
Improvement projects deliver results, but performance slides back when consultants leave or focus shifts.
Management Bandwidth
Leaders spend 60-70% of their time firefighting rather than coaching improvement and developing capability.
Missing Autonomy
Teams execute well when supervised but struggle to own their performance, solve problems, and drive improvement independently.
There’s a better way—one that builds systematic capability rather than project-based gains.
THE CDI SOLUTION
The Three-Journey Framework to Sustainable Excellence
CDI’s Mission-Directed Work (MDW) methodology guides organizations through three sequential capability-building journeys, each creating the foundation required for the next.
Journey 1: STABILITY
From Firefighting to Discipline
(9-12 months)
- Standardized processes
- Visual management systems
- Daily management rhythm
- Basic problem-solving capability.
Journey 2: AUTONOMY
From Discipline to Self-Management
(18-24 months)
- Teams own their performance
- Independent problem-solving
- Managers become coaches
- Improvement becomes daily work.
Journey 3: EXCELLENCE
From Self-Management to Continuous Excellence
(12+ months)
- Self-sustaining improvement culture
- Leadership develops leadership
- Systematic capability building
- Competitive advantage from within.
KEY INSIGHT: Organizations that follow this sequential approach achieve sustainable transformation. Those that skip stages typically experience initial progress followed by plateau.
PROVEN RESULTS
Performance Outcomes across 150+ Implementations
Organizations across 47 countries, from small manufacturers to multinationals like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Imperial Tobacco
More About CDI
15-25
Productivity Improvement
20-30
Capacity Release
10-20
Cost Reduction
25-40
Engagement Improvement
WHAT MAKES MDW DIFFERENT
Beyond Traditional Lean: The Autonomy Advantage
TRADITIONAL LEAN CONSULTING |
| Project-based improvement |
| Consultant-dependent |
| Tools and techniques |
| Management control focus |
| Gains fade after exit |
|
Firefighting continues |
MDW APPROACH |
| Systematic capability building |
| Team autonomy |
| Integrated daily management system |
| Leadership coaching focus |
| Self-sustaining improvement |
| Problems become improvement opportunities |
GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL DELIVERY
Our Regional Networks
CDI Americas (AMA) Led by Rosa Zapata: Coverage: North America, Central America, South America
CDI AAE (Australasia, Asia, Europe) Led by Chris Theron Coverage: Asia, Europe, Middle East, Australasia, Africa (47 countries)
JOIN OUR NETWORK
Three Ways to Work With CDI
OPTION 1
For Manufacturing Leaders
OPTION 2
For Consultants
OPTION 3
For Regional Firms
For Manufacturing Leaders
Ready to move beyond improvement projects toward systematic excellence?
- Full transformation partnerships
- Rapid stabilisation programmes
- Leadership development
- Assessment and planning services
For Consultants
Experienced in operational excellence and seeking proven methodology with protected territory?
- Licensed implementation rights
- Comprehensive training
- Global knowledge network
- Ongoing support
For Regional Firms
Looking to enhance your service offering with world-class transformation methodology?
- Co-branding opportunities
- Train-the-trainer programs
- Regional licensing
- Joint delivery models