This workshop will take a look at some of the frequent causes of “self- induced” actions that result in lost productivity. Reviewing mistakes frequently made by others should help students recognize when these types of mistakes are happening within their own organization and eliminate them. In many cases, it is very easy to understand when a process is not performing well. What is difficult to understand is why our efforts are sometimes fruitless. It can seem like we are in a vicious cycle and cannot escape. Sometimes the actions taken to resolve problems are like putting water on “smoke,” thinking this is the most effective way to extinguish a “fire.” Taking the right action at the right time is the most effective way to mitigate these undesirable effects and escape a vicious cycle. This workshop is based on The Theory of Constraints.