On Tue, 30 Dec 1997 08:47:17, Kicab Castaneda-Mendez wrote Re: Teams: A
Missing Element
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>When we develop measures for processes we group them into three categories:
>effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility. Processes (as in standard
>operating procedures) are designed to address most cases of a certain type.
>Thus, your comment about having a clear purpose and goals would mean that
>the common approach would be able to address the clear plan to address the
>clear prupsoe and goal.
>
>What happens if an unexpected barrier (obstacle, issue -- pick your term)
>arises? The team, with the same common purpose, goal, and approach must be
>flexible to address that unexpected situation.
>
>The ability of the team to "stay on course" is a measure of its
>flexibility. Thus, we define flexibility as the ability to be effective and
>efficient for unplanned (nonstandard) situations.
Sir,
You might find it useful to precis flexibility.
The case of staying on course in the face of perturbations is called
"homeostasis" in many discussions.
In contrast, the case of changing direction (adjusting the original purpose
or re-aligning the goal) is called agility -- c.f. <www.agilityforum.org>.
Interestingly, although the team may have been externally chartered on
purpose and goal, initially, a fast learning team will develop the
competency to refine such charters. Rapid prototyping is an example. It
does not mean the inmates have taken over the asylum.
Jack Ring
Innovation Management
32712 N. 70th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85262-7143
602-488-4615