The
Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing & Factory Science
25
June
2004
Work Teams
For
several thousand years, since the Roman Legions and the Catholic Church, hierarchical
organizations have dominated human organization. Now, Work
Teams, small, autonomous groups with little
or no formal leadership are challenging the ancient concept of hierarchy.
They are an important and often under-appreciated component of Lean
Manufacturing.
In
Lean Manufacturing, teamwork enhances workcell
operation through superior motivation and better balance. Process
Improvement Teams attack difficult quality problems and are an important
element of Six Sigma and TQM.
Teams can improve work processes, solve problems and prevent errors in all
parts of the organization.
Teams
seem so simple and easy that managers often assume their
workings, structure, environment and development is self-evident. However,
teams are the socio side of those complex and often-delicate
socio-technical systems known as factories. Among other things, effective
teams need:
-
Training,
Practice, Coaching and Experience
-
A
Compatible Culture
-
A
Process Structured for Teamwork
-
Time
and Patience
None
of these pre-conditions exist in the conventional, functional,
hierarchical factory. Such factories require massive
cultural change, visionary leadership
and extensive training to implement
work teams and Lean Manufacturing. Such change is not easy; or fast.
Our
Team Development Series
describes the operation, and structure of work teams, stages of
development and the problems encountered. Our Leadership
Series discusses the type of leadership required and how to
encourage it. And, the series on Implementation
shows how to plan and execute an effective Lean Strategy, including the
cultural elements.
These
articles should be helpful in your lean journey. In addition, please
consider our onsite and online seminars as well.
All
The Best,
Quarterman
Lee
You
may forward Lean Briefing to colleagues or use it in your
publication, but please do so in its entirety. Copyright
2004 Strategos, Inc. |
