Challenge:

In work that I do with government infrastructure operational improvements, it seems that the  participants on the team do not fully understand how insights might help them. They are preoccupied  with the normal day to day operations and fires that need to be put out. Although usually the teams are  able to produce good results, even with these constraints.  The question is, “with some simple  application of tools, could more be achieved?”. Part one of this is a more “Protected” time slot that  should be provided for the team to do its work. This is an initiative that has already shown some benefit.  But part two, is the application of tools considered in this class; specifically, the use of visualization.

Tool Selection:

Visualization might be an effective way for the team to be more proactive in their creative thinking.  Too  often, we rely on common spreadsheets to show information. This is true because, frankly, it is easy. But  it might be worth the effort to transform the data needed to understand problems, into a more  informative format. This effort to transform the information would be needed during the pre-team  preparation phase, but could be implemented with minimal effort.

Tool Application:

In order to obtain usable visualization for the team, more than just data is needed.  Explanations of why  the data exists in the first place will help to provide team insights. For example, Separating the data on  cost into functions preformed in various locations will show where potential duplication of effort might  exist in the organization. This step requires taking the data provided on the spreadsheets, and “splitting”  the cost to various functional areas. This “repackages” the data, in a clear visual format, next to post-it  notes on a process map. All this can be done by one or two members of the team, and then presented  to the entire team for discussion, recording insights, and also provides a baseline to compare the results  of the team’s efforts.

Insight:

This new approach SHOWS the team where duplication of effort might exist in day to day activities. It is  much more “active” then reading spreadsheets on the computer or projected on a screen.  It is nothing  more then the same data, but it is seen from a different perspective. Only one new insight is needed,  even though the possibility exists for many. It provides teams with the realization that they “learned  something new today”. So it builds momentum for more creativity. There is also a “loop-closing” with  the data collection part of the organization…..that what they do is being used pro-actively, to help solve  problems.

Alternative Approach.

Where else could visualization be applied?  More learning on the mind mapping or customer journey  mapping is next. Not only for understanding customers and end-users, but to internal customers/end- users WITHIN the organization.

The main visualization benefit in this exercise is to aid the team to easily see data that was once  “hidden” on spreadsheets. When shown in an easy to follow format, it is a great tool to improve what  we do.


Challenge : In work that I do with government infrastructure operational improvements , it seems that the participants on the team do not fully understand how insights might help them . They are preoccupied with the normal day to day operations and fires that need to be put out . Although usually the teams are able to produce good results , even with these constraints . The question is , “ with some simple application of tools , could more be achieved ? ” . Part one of this is a more “ Protected ” time slot that should be provided for the team to do its work . This is an initiative that has already shown some benefit . But part two , is the application of tools considered in this class ; specifically , the use of visualization . Tool Selection : Visualization might be an effective way for the team to be more proactive in their creative thinking . Too often , we rely on common spreadsheets to show information . This is true because , frankly , it is easy . But it might be worth the effort to transform the data needed to understand problems , into a more informative format . This effort to transform the information would be needed during the pre - team preparation phase , but could be implemented with minimal effort . Tool Application : In order to obtain usable visualization for the team , more than just data is needed . Explanations of why the data exists in the first place will help to provide team insights . For example , Separating the data on cost into functions preformed in various locations will show where potential duplication of effort might exist in the organization . This step requires taking the data provided on the spreadsheets , and “ splitting ” the cost to various functional areas . This “ repackages ” the data , in a clear visual format , next to post - it notes on a process map . All this can be done by one or two members of the team , and then presented to the entire team for discussion , recording insights , and also provides a baseline to compare the results of the team ’s efforts . Insight : This new approach SHOWS the team where duplication of effort might exist in day to day activities . It is much more “ active ” then reading spreadsheets on the computer or projected on a screen . It is nothing more then the same data , but it is seen from a different perspective . Only one new insight is needed , even though the possibility exists for many . It provides teams with the realization that they “ learned something new today ” . So it builds momentum for more creativity . There is also a “ loop - closing ” with the data collection part of the organization … .. that what they do is being used pro - actively , to help solve problems . Alternative Approach . Where else could visualization be applied ? More learning on the mind mapping or customer journey mapping is next . Not only for understanding customers and end - users , but to internal customers / end- users WITHIN the organization . The main visualization benefit in this exercise is to aid the team to easily see data that was once “ hidden ” on spreadsheets . When shown in an easy to follow format , it is a great tool to improve what we do .