I have been training and coaching operational management disciplines in the UK for over 10 years and recently been working in South Africa too.   I think that regardless of the culture or operating environment the following tips for Team Leaders are the basic fundamentals in achieving operational excellence. 

Do you have any other daily tips you think should be added to this list?  Email me: wendyjeavons@eguk.co.uk

1. Keep your measures up to date!  Put in place a quarterly review process to validate all measures including service standards, staff skills and quality.

2. Maximise your available hours.  Produce stretching plans each day to meet individual and team targets.

3. Ensure all team members have a full days work based on their available hours and skill.  Apply the principles of short term scheduling to maintain motivation throughout the day.

4. Communicate daily objectives to the team.  Hold ‘Buzz Sessions’ each morning to energise and motivate everyone.

5. Involve the team in visualising performance throughout the day.  Update a whiteboard to show progress against plan.

6. Manage By Walking About!!  Don’t get stuck behind your PC.  Monitor work completion throughout the day by visiting each member of the team.

7. Actively feedback and coach on personal skills e.g. customer service in addition to technical areas.

8. Manage performance variance across the team.  Be prepared to challenge and don’t forget to recognise achievements throughout the day to maintain pace and productivity.

9. Analyse your results.  Understand the cause and effect relationship between all Key Performance Indicators.  For example the impact of skill levels on quality standards.

10. Undertake process reviews in consultation with your team members and other areas that impact the process.