A GM assembly plant was getting ready to launch a new product. At the same time, they wanted to implement team concept across the entire plant. Top leadership, team leaders/group leaders, and team members all needed to be trained. The plant wanted to complete this training during a one-week shutdown before the launch of the new product.

LDI worked with joint leadership to develop a plan of action. Our first step was to interview a cross-section of the plant to determine readiness for teams. After the interviews, we scheduled a 3-day offsite with approximately 50 top leaders to share the interview data and develop guidelines and boundaries for teams. Our next step was to develop training for area leaders, team leaders/group leaders, and team members.

We jointly agreed that a large group format would be the best option for the team training. We trained all area leaders two weeks before large group training took place. All area leaders received a 1-day overview of the team member training to prepare them for the change that was going to take place.

LDI developed a 1 ½ day training for team leaders/group leaders that covered role clarification, personal style, supportive leadership, facilitation skills, coaching, and taking action. We trained approximately 400 team leaders/group leaders in one week over 2 shifts.

LDI also developed a 2 ½ day training for team members that covered why do teams, guidelines and boundaries, team development, conflict resolution, and effective team meetings. We trained approximately 2,600 team members in one week over 2 shifts.

Joint leadership at Pontiac considered the project a success. At a follow-up meeting, plant leadership reported that 80% of the teams were functioning effectively in their team meetings. They said they were happy with the results and that they would recommend LDI and the large group format to other plants.

In today's global business world, many organizations are implementing teams as a way to improve competitiveness. Teams offer a number of advantages; they can increase productivity, reduce costs, and accomplish tasks that an individual cannot do alone. They also can improve employee morale, by creating a workplace community that values the contributions of every team member.

LDI has a wealth of expertise in team implementation. We understand the change process involved and the impact on the work environment. We also know how to ensure that change is sustained - by building internal capability and providing for meaningful involvement of the workforce.

In today's global business world, many organizations are implementing teams as a way to improve competitiveness. Teams offer a number of advantages; they can increase productivity, reduce costs, and accomplish tasks that an individual cannot do alone. They also can improve employee morale, by creating a workplace community that values the contributions of every team member.

LDI has a wealth of expertise in team implementation. We understand the change process involved and the impact on the work environment. We also know how to ensure that change is sustained - by building internal capability and providing for meaningful involvement of the workforce.