Teamwork plays a vital role in the success of any organization. Specifically, being able to work as a team contributes to the success of Lean Six Sigma projects and continuous improvement efforts. Team performance is about reaching the potential of each individual as well as the team as a whole.
Keys to Operating a Successful Lean Six Sigma Project Team
When creating the team for the organization’s next project, it is important to provide the team as much clarity as possible about both the project they will be working on and the roles that everyone on the team will be playing. This is especially important in today’s environment in which many project teams are operating virtually.
Things to Consider When Defining the Project
The project charter is a great tool for introducing the project to the team.
- Review the charter with team members to clarify any uncertainties about the project.
- Make updates to the charter as needed.
- Review the goals and objectives as a team.
- Be sure to apply the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound).
SMART criteria ensure that everyone knows the target and how to measure the success of the project.
Things to Consider When Defining the Team
Team members work more effectively when they know what is expected of them and understand the strengths of their fellow team members. Once this is established, the team can avoid the “too many cooks in the kitchen” syndrome and institute a culture of accountability.
Roles and responsibilities should be well-defined and shared with the entire team so that everyone knows who does what. In addition to defining the roles and responsibilities with your team members, it is helpful to establish ground rules about how the team will function:
- Agree on how to work together and make decisions
- Agree to leverage the team’s differences and interpersonal styles
- Agree that communication will be clear and honest among the team
- Commit to a conflict resolution process
Defining the Team’s Profile
Many factors influence team dynamics, such as the skill sets, personalities, and behaviors of team members. It is beneficial to assess challenges, strengths, and opportunities for improvement among the members as well as the team as a whole. The ultimate goal of team building is to enable the members to use their different cognitive and behavioral tendencies and strengths. When developing the team’s profile, consider how each individual:
- Translates information
- Accomplishes key tasks
- Interacts with others
- Influences others
- Reacts to change
Eight Common Individual Behaviors to Consider When Assessing a Team
| Type | Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Driver | Often takes control of situations Constantly pushing for results Sometimes individual goals dominate situations |
| Tactician | Skilled at planning Linear in thought process Enjoys the role of gatekeeper Often completes deliverables ahead of schedule |
| Analyzer | Requires information and data to make decisions Focuses on details Often overanalyzes things |
| Optimist | Often positive about things Usually expects a favorable outcome |
| Creative | Seeks alternative ideas Does not pay much attention to detail Characterized by originality and expressiveness |
| Procrastinator | Often waits until the last minute to complete deliverables/tasks Hesitates in diving in due to fear of failure Works well under pressure |
| Cautious | Risk adverse Calls for caution and is often critical Tentative or restrained |
| Avoider | Stays clear of confrontation Avoids difficult or challenging discussions |
This work in assessing members may feel like an extra step in the team building process, but it is actually a critical part of establishing a solid foundation for the project. A complete assessment can help the team to avoid overlaps and gaps, resulting in unintentional work duplication or catchup efforts, which in turn can cause decreased moral and increased conflict amongst the team.
Developing your team’s profile is a proven tool for successfully managing a continuous improvement project.
For any questions about the the team building process, or Lean Six Sigma training, please contact Acuity to set up a call.
