Process Improvement Teams
Teams are core components of a company’s quality system. Whether the team is for process improvement, safety, or food safety and sanitation, teams are critical in the development and implementation of effective programs.
The fundamental purpose of establishing a process improvement team is to improve the internal efficiencies of the company, product quality, and service quality. Improvement is done through the efforts of the team members to improve methods, productivity and quality. When companies use teams to improve processes, employees are more likely to accept change.
Assigning the Team
After selecting a process improvement project, a team is assigned to work on the project. Management defines the charter. The charter, or purpose, defines the objectives and sets the goals for a team, scope of the work to be performed, membership, resources available, and establishment of a deliverable. The charter defines a direction without solving the problem. The charter should identify the first items required for a team to be successful and a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished.
Facilitator/Leader
Select a key person to keep the team focused on the purpose and objectives. Without a good facilitator/leader the team will fail! The leader is chosen by company management and is empowered with the purpose and objectives to be accomplished. The leader will:
- Clarify the objective of the team
- Have an agenda and follow it
- Manage the action items
- Guide the team through problem solving
- Have direct access to management
- Plan the team’s next meeting and agenda
The facilitator should have a list of action items documenting the goals to be completed, team member responsible, and a completion date. Update the action items at each meeting.
Important: It is up to the team members to complete their goals, not the facilitator.
Team Members
A good team is made up of a diverse group of people who work well together. The team must consist of people who have appropriate knowledge of and experience in the area for improvement. If the packaging line efficiency is the process to be improved, include at least one of the operators on the team. Teams should be pulled together based on the individual’s knowledge of the process. The team must be empowered to plan, organize, and complete work within a time frame.
Team Norms
Keep in mind, when new teams are put together, four stages of adjustment naturally occur and should be managed appropriately. Forming – new members come together and try to figure out how they fit. At this stage clearly define the purpose and why each member is on the team. Storming – members have become comfortable with expressing their opinion. Accept that this stage will pass and keep members focused on the purpose and goals. Norming – team starts to work together and all members become focused on their purpose and input to the team. Performing – mature team with a clear focus. Achievements are being recognized with a focus on the purpose and goals
--Sidebar--
Successful Teams
- Clear team purpose and goals.
- Ground rules used to monitor and improve the team.
- Detailed action items that define tasks, clarify roles, responsibilities, and time to completion.
- Clearly defined empowerment so that members know which decisions they can make.
- Clear and open communications between members and management.
- Well-defined decision procedures that help the team know which decision-making approach to use.
- Balanced team participation such that the team's decision making is not dominated by one or two strong personalities.
- Well-planned and executed meetings with clear agendas.
- ### -
CONTACT:
Jason Young
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
148 FAPC
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6071
Fax: 405-744-6313
E-Mail: jason.young@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
