Team Processes and Procedures

You are in the SuddenTeams™ Expert System.

Expert System> Conflicts> Stakeholder Conflicts>
Expert System> Conflicts> Team Conflicts>
Expert System> New Team Leader>

Written processes and procedures are at the base of every quality and efficiency improvement method. They can also cut down on conflicts over how to accomplish tasks and speed the training of new team members. To have the most impact and create support from the start, the people who run the process have to be the ones who document and improve the process.

Unless more procedures are needed due to regulations or customer agreements, begin with the "80/80 Rule": Start with procedures covering 80% of the team's labor time, and only make them detailed enough to cover 80% of the times the process is used (allowing people to flex when circumstances warrant it). Later consider adding processes and procedures for disasters and for complex tasks done rarely, such as an annual inventory.

A basic method for creating team procedures or process diagrams is:

  1. Start the discussion by asking: "What triggers this process?"
  2. Ask: "What happens (or 'should happen') next?"
  3. Repeat the previous question until all steps are covered for producing the product or service.
  4. When done, ask: "Did we leave out any logical steps?" (Tip: Make sure every "if" has a step for the "if not" alternative).
  5. Set an action item for someone to create a flow chart and/or procedure document with numbered steps.
  6. At the next team meeting, review and revise the procedure as needed before formally adopting it.
  7. Set action items to review the document in three months, six months, and annually after that to keep it accurate and identify improvements.

For details or help:

  • Review the "Procedures" section starting on page 61 of our "do-it-yourself" team building book.
  • Consider hiring us to facilitate this process.
  • Share/Save