For many managers, there’s a sizable skill set difference between their ability to brainstorm great improvement projects and their ability to successfully guide a team to make meaningful improvements a reality.
In June, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) hosted a brief podcast on that very topic — how to successfully manage a performance improvement project.
IHI executive directors Karen Baldoza and Christina Gunther-Murphy, along with University of Wisconsin Health Improvement Coach Julianna Spranger, noted that managers often readily acknowledge that process improvement project management is not their full-time job. It’s more likely to be a responsibility that is added on. Although they want to help their organization succeed in these efforts, they often feel inadequate in this role.
In a follow-up piece to the broadcast, Baldoza, Gunther-Murphy and Spranger offer “15 Concrete Ideas to Manage an Improvement Project.” To quickly summarize, they advise managers to:
- Front load the work to ensure proper project planning;
- Concentrate on learning, instead of perfection, to help focus the team and obtain of the “buy-in;
- Make the CI process easy, as this type of work is often done in addition to the team’s regular job;
- Build a big enough tent (team) to guarantee that the right people are either on the team or available as consultants for the project team; and
- Guarantee that the project has defined endpoints, including an end date and deliverables.
It is important for CI practitioners to remember the human element when conducting process improvement activities. It can be very easy to become so focused on the “how” a project is run that one loses track of the “who” and “why” of a project.
Other great IHI tips to protect team members and other participants include:
- Holding an extended initial meeting to help establish ground rules and build the team;
- Utilizing sampling to avoid survey fatigue;
- Using existing meetings when possible to conduct team activities;
- Employing visuals such as charts and storyboards to help keep team members engaged; and
- Establishing a 30-60-90 day plan for implementation, validation, and closure of the project.
Got 5 minutes? Check out the short broadcast and article. The tips not only provide a framework for effective problem-solving, but also for ensuring a positive experience for the entire team.
How are you helping your employees to work smarter by reducing the amount of time they spend on non-productive activities and correcting errors? If your business processes need a “check-up,” please email me at michael@leadingchangeforgood.com! I’d love to help you get back to a healthy, productive workplace.
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