Better Decisions and Growth- Choosing Teams Over Committees

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Better Decisions and Growth: Choosing Teams Over Committees

Do you want to improve your organization’s performance and innovation? Do you want to avoid using committees that can slow down, limit, and isolate your organization from achieving its full potential? If so, you may want to consider using ad hoc teams instead.

Ad hoc teams are groups of people who are formed temporarily to work on a specific problem or project. They are often cross-functional, meaning they involve people from different departments, levels, or backgrounds. They are also self-managing, meaning they have autonomy and authority to make decisions and take actions.

In this video, I will share with you my perspective on why committees are not a good idea, and how you can use ad hoc teams to drive continuous improvement in your organization.

The drawbacks of committees

Committees are groups of people who are assigned to oversee certain aspects of the organization, such as IT, HR, or finance. They are often used to make decisions or recommendations on various issues or projects.

However, committees have some drawbacks that can hinder the performance and innovation of the organization. Some of these drawbacks are:

  • Committees tend to be slow and inefficient. They often have too many members, too many meetings, too many agendas, and too many opinions. This can lead to delays, conflicts, and compromises that dilute the quality and impact of the decisions.
  • Committees tend to be risk-averse and conservative. They often prefer to stick to the status quo, avoid controversy, and seek consensus. This can limit the creativity and diversity of the solutions and prevent the organization from adapting to changing needs and opportunities.
  • Committees tend to be detached and isolated. They often lack direct contact with the customers, the employees, or the frontline operations. This can reduce their understanding of the real problems and needs of the organization and its stakeholders.

The benefits of ad hoc teams

Ad hoc teams are groups of people who are formed temporarily to work on a specific problem or project. They are often cross-functional, meaning they involve people from different departments, levels, or backgrounds. They are also self-managing, meaning they have autonomy and authority to make decisions and take actions.

Ad hoc teams have some benefits that can enhance the effectiveness and innovation of the organization. Some of these benefits are:

  • Ad hoc teams are fast and agile. They have a clear goal, a defined timeline, and a focused scope. They can quickly gather information, generate ideas, test solutions, and implement changes.
  • Ad hoc teams are creative and diverse. They have a variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences. They can challenge assumptions, explore alternatives, and discover new possibilities.
  • Ad hoc teams are engaged and connected. They have direct contact with the customers.

Conclusion

Using ad hoc teams instead of committees can help you improve your organization’s performance and innovation. Ad hoc teams can leverage the creativity, diversity, engagement, and connection of people across the organization. By using ad hoc teams for continuous improvement projects, you can improve your products, processes, and performance, and ultimately deliver more value to your customers.

Making Meetings More Effective: Key Tips for Productive Discussions

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Meetings are an integral part of any workplace, but they can often be a source of frustration if not conducted effectively. As someone with almost three decades of experience in this field, I understand the common complaints about unproductive meetings. In this article, I will share essential tips on how to make your meetings more effective and purposeful. 

1. Start with a Clear Purpose 

The foundation of a successful meeting lies in having a clear purpose. Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself if it’s necessary. Is there a more efficient way to address the issue at hand? Only proceed with the meeting if there’s a genuine need to bring people together. 

2. Invite the Right People 

One of the main reasons meetings can become unproductive is the inclusion of unnecessary attendees. Invite only those individuals who have a direct stake in the topics to be discussed. This way, you ensure meaningful contributions and keep the meeting focused. 

3. Time Management is Key 

Respecting everyone’s time is crucial for effective meetings. Set a specific start and end time for the session and adhere to it strictly. Going beyond the allotted time can lead to disinterest and hinder productivity. If certain topics need more discussion, schedule a follow-up meeting. 

Starting meetings on time not only shows respect for everyone’s schedules but also sets the tone for punctuality. Waiting for latecomers can frustrate those who arrive on time. Encourage all participants to be punctual, and lead by example. 

4. Create a Well-Structured Agenda 

A well-prepared agenda is the backbone of a productive meeting. Clearly outline the topics to be discussed and allocate time for each item. Having a structured agenda keeps the discussion focused and ensures that all necessary points are covered. 

I have a meeting planning worksheet that you can download for free. Check it out here. 

5. Define Actionable Items and Responsibilities 

A successful meeting results in actionable outcomes. Clearly define the tasks and responsibilities that arise from the discussions. Assign specific individuals to each action item to ensure accountability and follow-through. 

Another tip is to make sure to understand the roles of various participants. The meeting owner initiates and guides the session, while the facilitator (or chairperson) ensures the meeting’s flow. A note-taker records key points, a gatekeeper maintains order, and a timer helps manage time for each agenda item. 

6.  Evaluate Meeting Success 

After the meeting concludes, take a moment to evaluate its effectiveness. Determine if the meeting achieved its intended purpose and if participants actively engaged. Assess if the meeting adhered to the agenda and if action steps were clear and well-assigned. Gathering feedback from participants can also provide valuable insights for improvement. 

Meetings don’t have to be a waste of time. By following these key tips, you can transform your meetings into productive and purposeful discussions. Emphasize the importance of a clear purpose, punctuality, and proper planning. Implement these strategies, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in the effectiveness of your meetings, leading to a more productive and engaged team.

 

Preventing Workplace Conflicts: Strategies for Effective Communication

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Conflicts in the workplace can have a detrimental impact on productivity, employee morale, and overall team dynamics. However, by implementing strategies for effective communication, organizations can proactively prevent conflicts from arising. In this article, we will explore valuable insights and practical tips on how to foster a harmonious work environment through proactive conflict prevention and fostering effective communication. 

Conflicts are bound to occur in any workplace due to diverse personalities and varying perspectives. However, it is crucial to understand the significance of preventing conflicts before they escalate and disrupt productivity. Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to workplace conflicts. 

Active listening plays a pivotal role in conflict prevention. Rather than imposing our own views, it is important to genuinely understand and empathize with others’ perspectives. Through active listening, we foster an environment of tolerance and respect, paving the way for constructive dialogue. 

Addressing conflicts should be approached with diplomacy and tact. Diplomatic disagreement allows for respectful expression of differing opinions, while gentle confrontation entails assertively addressing issues while preserving relationships. These techniques can help navigate conflicts without exacerbating the situation. 

Investing in ongoing training and development is crucial for conflict prevention. By providing employees with the necessary tools and skills to navigate conflicts, organizations empower individuals to resolve issues independently. Training should focus on effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution techniques. 

Unresolved conflicts can breed toxic workplace dynamics, fostering an environment of revenge and hostility. By failing to address conflicts promptly and effectively, organizations risk damaging employee relationships and overall team morale. 

To implement a proactive approach to conflict prevention, organizations should consider bringing in external consultants or trainers to facilitate communication and conflict resolution training programs. By equipping employees with the necessary skills, organizations can establish a culture of understanding, collaboration, and conflict prevention. 

Preventing workplace conflicts is paramount for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. By emphasizing effective communication, active listening, and implementing conflict prevention strategies, organizations can foster positive relationships, enhance productivity, and create a culture of understanding and collaboration.

Remember, prevention is key to avoiding conflicts and cultivating a positive work atmosphere that benefits everyone involved. By taking a proactive stance, organizations can create a harmonious workplace where conflicts are minimized, and productivity thrives. 

team problem

Dealing with Team Problems: Lack of Commitment from Team Members

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Dealing with Team Problems: Lack of Commitment from Team Members

 

One team problem in the evolution of a team is a lack of commitment from team members. This is quite common and there are solutions to this problem.

What You See

What you may be seeing is team members skipping meetings or sending representatives in their place. There may also be a lack of support or open undermining of team decisions. At the team meetings members may appear withdrawn or preoccupied.

 

Possible Causes

Many teams experience growing pains once the hard work of taking actions starts. The two major causes are that the:

  1. Benefits of achieving the team goal has not been sold.
  2. Operating ground rules are not working.

Potential Solutions

The solutions are to address and clarify the team constitution and to ensure everyone’s collaboration.

  1. Hold a team organizational planning meeting and review the ground rules of the team and discuss the key goal or improvement initiative. Review the benefits.
  2. Confront team members on their commitment and responsibilities.
  3. Discuss and solve schedule conflicts to ensure everyone participated in team meetings.
  4. Ask members to verbally state their commitment to the team.