This spring, I've enjoyed watching Val, my intern, lawn mower and granddaughter, run. She is a cross country runner and does spring track to stay in shape by doing the 800, the mile and two mile. Yes, as a freshman she earned her varsity letter! Yeah! Val.
One event that always gives me pause is the 4X400 relay that involves teams of four runners and a baton that must be passed in a 20 meter box or the team will be disqualified. Oh yes, you can't drop the baton AND it is passed three times during the relay. This really adds a level of coordination that challenges many runners. It is a process that has very clear desired outcomes for each runner.
Like a business process, the 4x400 is clearly defined in execution and has the critical step of passing the baton. A dropped baton has only two people that could be responsible. In any business, when a process goes astray the manager will be wise to manage the process first before placing blame.
Tips to help you manage relays:
• Make sure everyone knows the goal. To win is too big of a goal. If more than one team is involved, each team should have a process goal that is tied to a key goal. Usually runners will have individual goals for leg of the run.
• Provide easy access to effectiveness. If the team needs to know the cost or time of a process, this needs to be available in a time that makes sense. On the track, watch the runners time themselves and compare to the time keepers.
• Make sure outcomes are recognized - the good, the bad and the ugly.
• Avoid "Them" syndrome. Blaming someone for a defect or error may sometimes be in order but more often than not the process may be lacking. Before you train them, coach them, transfer them, or replace them, make sure they were the problem.
If you want to read more about business processes, Geary A Rummler has written several books on the subject that are considered key to understanding business processes and some are available on Kindle, too. Geary A. Rummler on Improving Performance
Copyright 2011 Linda Lucas Fayerweather
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