Consumer Products
Formal "Kick-Off" Sessions to Improve Effectiveness of Newly Formed Product Development Teams
This diversified consumer products company rapidly established a large number of product development teams in its Manufacturing and Technical Operations (MTO) area. This rapid build-up was in response to the development of an increasing stream of new toiletries products, including an innovative shaving razor. Because of the urgency of these initiatives and the importance of the success of the new razor, MTO management wanted these "start-up" teams to function in a consistent and productive manner. In the past, some teams were highly productive while others languished. Management wanted to support these teams to ensure the highest possible performance.
MMi consultants designed and conducted "kick-off" sessions for all new product development teams throughout MTO. Our goal was to help the razor and toiletries teams establish a sound foundation and team process for achieving and maintaining high performance. During this critical "start-up" phase, the teams focused on three critical issues for their long-term effectiveness: the task, the team process and team-member relationships. Each team established and "owned" its project mission, created concrete project goals and specific member accountabilities. In addition, the members focused on building a sound infrastructure and strong relationships that would enable the team to move smoothly through the various stages of team development.
Consumer Products
Team Diagnostic to Assess Effectiveness of In-Progress Product Development Teams
Manufacturing and Technical Operations (MTO) management wanted to ensure that their product development teams were on track and were performing in an optimal manner. Although MTO management was able to measure progress on tangible goals, they did not have a way for the team to understand the impact of its team process, communications and other factors that had an influence on performance.
MMi consultants were asked to work confidentially with each "in-progress" team to help the members understand their team's strengths and limitations. Using MMi's "Team Snapshot™" and diagnostic interviews, consultants assessed each team on MMi's 13 building blocks for high performing teams. After results were fed-back to team members, MMi consultants worked with the teams to reinforce their strengths and to reduce issues blocking the team's effectiveness.
Medical Device Manufacturer
Employee Opinion Survey to Uncover Causes of Poor Morale and Low Performance
The senior management of a leading medical device manufacturer did not understand the cause of poor morale and low performance among its manufacturing and sales staff. Although there were many general opinions as to the causes, the issues were complex and confusing.
MMi was asked to develop and conduct a comprehensive, multi-division Employee Opinion Survey to provide management and staff with an accurate gauge of workforce attitudes on a wide range of department, management and performance-related issues. Once the data were tabulated and reviewed, employee-based "Improvement Action Teams" were formed to analyze the survey results and to identify and recommend changes to resolve priority issues. Based on agreed strategies and outcomes, these teams became responsible for implementing changes. As a result, many key issues contributing to dissatisfaction and low performance were resolved within a year.
Property and Casualty Insurer
Conduct Building High Performance Teams Workshop to Improve Team Effectiveness
The Corporate Training and Development Department of a highly diversified property and casualty insurer identified that a series of developmental workshops were required to improve the knowledge and skills of its team leaders across the organization.
MMi was retained to conduct its two-day Building High Performance Teams workshops. These sessions helped participants throughout the firm to manage their team processes in a more effective and self-directed manner.