Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Group intervention report

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

© 2013 DISE

1^st edition, 2013 – 12 – 05

Compiled by VDS Brink

Introduction

It is not the strongest that survive, nor the smartest; it is those that are the quickest to change. - Charles Darwin

The need of a first group intervention was discussed with the departmental head.

Working with people in groups needs to balance several aspects. People, Place and Process. It almost always make sense to work outside the office as the wallpaper carries negatives to be avoided. The Wellington venue was the perfect choice. It worked so well.

The process followed must always protect introverts, balance the formation of a group and the 5 phases thereof: “I have no opinion and might make a fool of myself”, “Have an opinion and it differs from yours”, “My opinion is part of the group”, Exuberance and then Sadness to leave.

This report summarises the event and the outcomes thereof. It gives an external view and proposals of the road ahead. My appreciation for your hard work and giving me the most precious gift anyone can receive; trust.

  

Session report

To work with people we need to satisfy their subconscious needs. If not they will react like robots and do their best to keep their noses clean.

We all need: Safety, Belonging, Self-esteem, Self-actualization, Curiosity, Aesthetic, Transcendent, Sympathy, Spirituality, Achievement & Pride, Anger and revenge, Competitiveness, Adventure and danger, Fear and resolve, Humor & play. Give this to people and they will reward you with miracles.

To just kick off with a group and expect meaningful open discussion never works. We made nametags, and told each other about ourselves by referring to a picture. We shared our dreams and fears and who our greatest hero is. We then did the Braindrawing by drawing pictures by building upon each other to illustrate joint work. This illustrates group work without anyone made a fool of.

This was followed by Brainwriting where the group anonymously built upon each other. More than 200 views and ideas were generated.

In summary the following emerged:

·         We should work more together in groups and teams

·         We need strong leadership

·         Some reward system for outstanding work

·         Each of us should take more initiative.

·         Set personal goals and share with the group

·         Fill the vacancies

·         Have developmental plans for all

·         Be present

·         Know each other’s capabilities and help

·         RESPECT for each other

·         Orientation process for new appointments

·         Have resources as laptops

·         Passion for our students

·         Share, share, share

·         Involve all in planning

  

The road ahead

This was a great experience and for the road ahead I propose frequent (bi-weekly) 30 minute meetings where the group re-meet and discuss matters from the previous meeting. Decide on action and responsibilities and build upon it.

       To make a mistake is great, discuss mistakes and reward the worst! “Failing forward” the underlying principle.

          Create a set of verbal commitments that all adhere to. “Honesty”, “Respect” and “reliability” normally means nothing. Use verbs and create actionable behaviour.

         For example a previous company had; “Just do it”, “never do it alone”, “Always do it better”. The principles of these sessions are given in the appendices.

Share the appendices and ask group members on their progress with the techniques proposed. Learn new techniques, do more together. Develop a joint code of conduct and how to support each other.