© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

8 Ways to Develop Winning Teams in Lean Organizations

Presented byJeff Hajek

Gotta Go LeanTim McMahonA Lean Journey

Version 4/14/2011

© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Introduction

A group is two or more people who interact with each other.

A team is a group with complementary skills who are

committed to a common purpose defined by a set of performance goals and hold

themselves mutually accountably.

All teams are groups, but not all groups are teams.

Groups don’t just become teams because we use that name.

© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Pick a Winning Team• Here are a couple of things to

consider when picking team members:– Balance of "hard" and "soft" skills – Best experience possible – Coverage of the knowledge areas

needed– Willingness to join, available– Leadership / Management skills– Maturity to take responsibility– Follows through on commitments– Good listening skills– Willing to actively participate– Can give and take feedback– Can communicate clearly

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Don’t Treat Everyone Equally

• Focus on “WIFM?”• Equal is not fair.• Tailor leadership style

to individuals.• No group

punishments.

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Great Groups Have Great Leaders• Every great group has a

strong and visionary leader.

• Not simply an ambition to succeed.

• Vision that inspires the team to work as if the fate of civilization rested on their completing their project.

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Focus on Behaviors, Not Results

• Performance has a random pattern to it.

• Rewards and reprimands don’t change results short term.

• Work on changing behaviors and skills.

© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Effective Meetings Are a Necessity• Create an agenda

and stick to it.• Establish a meeting

code of conduct.• Everyone’s idea will

be heard.• 3 Knock Rule.• “Parking Lot” for out

of scope ideas.Further Reading: Meeting Codes of Conducthttp://www.aleanjourney.com/2009/02/meeting-codes-of-conduct.html

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Get People the Right Skills to Succeed

• Performance requires many factors.

• Minimum skills to meet basic job requirements.

• Enhancement skills lead to exceptional performance.

• Skill building requires resources and a plan.

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

It All Starts and Ends with Communication

• It is crucial to be able to communicate openly and honestly about ideas, recommendations and concerns with other team members.

• It is just as important to be able to listen attentively and respond objectively with helpful feedback.

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Let People Fail• Give people autonomy.

– Match skills to risk.• Doesn’t apply to

negligence.• People learn best in ‘sink

or swim’ situations.– Leaders should act as

lifeguards.• Teams should not fear

failure.

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© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Conclusion1. Pick a Wining Team2. Don’t Treat Everyone Equally3. Great Groups have Great Leaders4. Focus on Behaviors, Not Results5. Effective Meetings are a Necessity6. Get People the Right Skills to Succeed7. It All Starts and Ends with Communication8. Let People Fail

© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Follow-up Information

http://www.ALeanJourney.com

• Not All Groups are Teams• Meeting Codes of Conduct• 10 Tips for Good Listening• Leadership: The Power of Influ

ence

• http://www.GottaGoLean.com• Lean Training System

• http://www.Velaction.com• Lean training bundle

• 22 classes for $59

© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Questions

• Jeff Hajek– Info@Velaction.com– www.GottaGoLean.com– 1.800.670.5805

• Tim McMahon– http://linkedin.com/in/timothyfmcmahon– 860-469-LEAN (5326)

© 2011, Velaction Continuous Improvement, LLC and Tim McMahon. All rights reserved.

Copyright Terms

• You may modify this presentation for use within your own organization.

• You may distribute this presentation within your own organization.

• You may not distribute this presentation, its derivative works, or images contained within it outside of your own organization.