Process Improvement Teams:

                    Fundamental Requirements



     Ideally five to eight people (can be more but is less
     effective)

     Made of the people who do the work in the process

     Trained in:

          Total Quality Management principles and practices
          (awareness)

          Interpersonal dynamics (teamwork)

          Problem solving methodology and tools

     Has brief problem statement and mission statement, both in
     principle quantifiable

     Implements own solutions

     Supported by management


     In addition, teams usually need a trained leader and an
accomplished facilitator to be successful.  In the beginning, the
task given to the team should be completed within six to nine
months, and then the team is disbanded.  Finally, most teams meet
about two hours per week.  While none of these additional factors
are fundamental requirements, the absence of any one of them
greatly reduces the likelihood of team success.


Copyright Tom Glenn, 1992