Step 1 - Define the goal. A team needs to know what to concentrate on. You can lay out the basic goal, " reduce workplace accidents " such as, but it is important to let the team define and expand the goal.
Step 2 - Not only must the " what " be solved, but also the " why " The team should identify what's in it for both the organization and the team. This is best accomplished by asking " What may be the benefit? " Additionally, creating a specific target that builds enthusiasm helps to make the objective appealing.
Step 3 - Define the obstacles that will preclude the team from achieving what it wants. Focus on internal obstacles, not on the external environment. It becomes too easy to say, " We can't do anything about it. " Internal factors are within their reach.
Step 4 - The team now plans its actions or objectives. Lay out four or five concrete steps, and write them down. Not " we'll try " actions, just like " We'lltry to serve customers better. " Rather, you would like actions that can be tracked and monitored. You cannot measure a " try " action. You would like observable behaviors, just like " Greet all customers with a smile and a good morning " or " Customers are served within 1 minute upon their arrival. "
Step 5 - Formulate actions to address.
Step 6 - Take action now! This is the most critical step. It is what differentiates an efficient team from a group. Groups have lots of meetings before, if ever, taking action, teams get it done! Get commitment from individual team members to take action on specific items.
Step 2 - Not only must the " what " be solved, but also the " why " The team should identify what's in it for both the organization and the team. This is best accomplished by asking " What may be the benefit? " Additionally, creating a specific target that builds enthusiasm helps to make the objective appealing.
Step 3 - Define the obstacles that will preclude the team from achieving what it wants. Focus on internal obstacles, not on the external environment. It becomes too easy to say, " We can't do anything about it. " Internal factors are within their reach.
Step 4 - The team now plans its actions or objectives. Lay out four or five concrete steps, and write them down. Not " we'll try " actions, just like " We'lltry to serve customers better. " Rather, you would like actions that can be tracked and monitored. You cannot measure a " try " action. You would like observable behaviors, just like " Greet all customers with a smile and a good morning " or " Customers are served within 1 minute upon their arrival. "
Step 5 - Formulate actions to address.
Step 6 - Take action now! This is the most critical step. It is what differentiates an efficient team from a group. Groups have lots of meetings before, if ever, taking action, teams get it done! Get commitment from individual team members to take action on specific items.
I totally agree with you on "Defining a goal". Very well written. Great post...:)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend....:)