Find a burning platform for change
Investigate the current process and customer requirements, and measure outcomes and work standards
Improve the flow of the process to deliver value efficiently
Make the new work processes, collaborative norms, and control measures visually obvious in the workplace
Reorganize and right-size the team for the work
Assess team performance and establish team goals
Make a rational plan, and develop the skills, tools, systems, and knowledge to move the team to the envisioned future state
Demonstrate performance over time!
“Well, you might think this is a bad thing, but I spend a half-hour every morning to make sure the metrics are posted and the team sees them. We have a team huddle to discuss the current status, yesterday’s performance, and any special situations.”
Heads nodded. One person commented, “Yeah, we’d never have the extra time to do that data work.” Just for a moment, I was worried.
But then the tour guide / leader said, “And after that, I don’t have to do anything special to make sure the work gets done. I don’t have to check to make sure people are working. I don’t have to move resources around. I don’t have to baby-sit anything or anybody. The team takes care of the work. The difference is that I spend a half-hour on the metrics and then I get to be proactive all day. I get to spend the day doing my job, interacting with our customers and developing people.” Wow.
Download a synopsis of Building Engaged Team Performance (McGraw-Hill, October 2010)