Performance improvement using Storytelling

1. Challenge: In the automotive industry, the pressure for cost reduction is

extremely high. This, at the end of the day, translates into very lean work  teams that need to perform a large number of tasks on different topics. The  challenges in achieving results are enormous and a motivated team, even if  a small team, is key to make things happen. It is in this context, where  doing more with less resources is fundamental, that the Storytelling tool fits  perfectly.

2. Selection: We all have good stories to tell. In my perception, it is one of the

most important tasks of a leader to observe the scenario of the challenges  around him and seek within his previous experiences, which ones best fit  the challenge that the team is facing at that moment. I used storytelling on  different occasions in my work at Spark Project as a powerful motivational  tool without cost of implementation.

3. Application: In 2013, the automaker in which I was the Quality Manager

was undergoing a series of transformations due to the implementation of a  new vehicle on the assembly line. The new product had a predetermined  launch date (and could not be changed due to market conditions).  Operational performance was not good, especially related to electrical  connections (which is currently the majority of operations performed by  General Assembly team). I had been in a similar situation before and knew  that a team with different knowledge and from different areas of the  company, with the necessary motivation and resources, could handle the  task. I selected the people, created the work group, together we set the  goals and before starting the activities I told a little of the experience I had  with a similar problem in a not too distant past. The strategy would be to  divide the tasks between the work teams, sharing in real time the results  with them and working on initiatives that increase accountability. The result  was a success, in addition to the team having engaged in the tasks, we  exceeded expectations regarding the results to be achieved and this was  the best vehicle launch at GM.

4. Insight: Group knowledge is always superior to individual knowledge.

Different opinions with a common objective are able to leverage the results,  we just need to bring the objectives clearly, form a favorable environment  for creation, offer the resources (which most of the time are simple things  but that make a total difference) and believe in people. Storytelling is a  simple and powerful tool that needs to be used widely in our lives (not just  professional but also in our personal challenges).

5. Approach: I believe that the challenge is to bring the benefits of storytelling

to larger groups of people. Applying this tool with small groups (for  example, engineers or group leaders) is simple, but applying this initiative  with people on shop floor we can achieve even greater goals.

