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Comprehensive Performance Systems

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT through TEAMWORK

We start where you are!

Most clients are interested in how CPS would go about supporting their team development or process improvement objectives. We don't have a single answer to that question. We adjust our approach to the needs and capabilities of each client organization.

Here is an overview of one process that worked quite successfully with one recent client.

[If you have difficulties reading this graphic, please contact CPS at 317-733-0255 or by E-mail ]

We believe the most effective team development occurs in the context of doing real work. We integrate training in team skills with efforts to improve the processes with which teams work daily.

In the process outlined in the above schematic, overlapping memberships in the various teams augmented procedures put in place to manage the process. CPS guided the process with early steps requiring greater support and later steps conducted exclusively by the client organization. CPS remained available, as needed, for on-going support.

Focused on Results

Teams are created to focus either on analyzing and solving a specific problem or on overall process improvement . . . streamlining processes, re-designing work-flow, improving quality, reducing scrap, eliminating production bottlenecks, etc. Either way, there is a focus on producing significant, measurable improvement in a short period of time (sample results of CPS clients). Measurable progress such as this provides a powerful model for the rest of the organization and increases organizational commitment to "process improvement through teamwork."

"Team Development through Process Improvement"

At CPS we refer to this organizational improvement initiative as "Process Improvement through Teamwork." We also think of it as "Team Development through Process Improvement" because this approach accomplishes both goals equally well. Participants learn much more about the complexities of the organization, develop a greater appreciation for their colleagues on the team, and improve performance. All of these outcomes increase organizational effectiveness.

Develops Teamwork along with Process Improvement Skills

Training is presented in increments ("just-in-time") as the team moves through different stages of the improvement effort. Process improvement training provides an early foundation. This is often followed by structured problem solving (including techniques such as flow charting, cause and effect analysis, and others) as the team needs them. Team leadership, facilitation, and group process skills are also introduced as the need is demonstrated.

Flexible Scheduling

The time allocated for the number of sessions, as well as the length of each session, depends on the nature of the challenges presented to the team and the skills already developed by the team members. Ask us to share examples of the approaches we have used to fit team-development processes to the organization's needs.

Team Learning

Between team meetings, subgroups work on specific aspects of the team's problem or process. During meetings the groups share their progress and results and then jointly develop plans for the next steps. In this way, team members learn from each other.

Expected Results

The goal of each "Process Improvement through Teamwork" intervention is to take on a specific challenge, analyze the situation, evaluate alternatives, choose an alternative, and implement the improvement strategy within the framework of the scheduled meetings. This framework drives the process and creates natural deadlines for the team. By facilitating the process from inception to implementation of a solution strategy we guide the group through the entire process. Experience suggests that this creates momentum that is often lacking in the day-to-day pressures of operations or in less-focused or less-intensive continuous improvement initiatives.

Positions the Organization for Further Team Development

We have worked with many organizations in various stages of movement from traditional management structures to structures that incorporate teams in one way or another. The transition to work teams, typically, is not an easy one. Task teams, such as those described in this section, can be an effective way for an organization to begin developing a team culture.

Use this link for additional information on a facilitated process to help you move to work teams.

Use this link for information on a few of our training courses on teams and team facilitation.