Volker Witzleben
Overview
Communic8 was used in the fourth module of the “Power Apprentice Forge” with nine trainees at the Annahütte Academy (Annahütte Steel mill in Ainring, Germany).
Topic
The aim of the learning project was to allow the trainees to intensively experience the topics of communication, project management, and “greater customer satisfaction, and to expand on the insights gained.
Stage
a. Preparation
“In the following task, you will develop and manufacture a product custom-built to the requirements of one of your customers. The customer has requested a machine consisting of several interconnected assembly parts. Its distinguishing feature is that parts with identical symbols are positioned next to each other.
For example: If there was a “2” on one side of an assembly part, there would also have to be a “2” on the opposite side of another assembly part. Of course, the parts you will soon be using are not so easy to describe – I wouldn’t want to under-challenge you.
The assembly parts must be placed on the production table set up here in a way that the parts are concealed, that is, the mirrored sides of the parts will face upwards. Only when the machine ordered by the customer is ready will we look at the result of your work together. Parts that have already been deposited may not be changed. One person may take notes, preferably on a flip chart.
Do you have any questions? No? Then, good luck delivering your product!”
b. Performance
The trainees appointed a coordinator to record the symbols on the flip chart for all to see. We incorporated this option into the learning project as the idea was to encourage the trainees to keep records and take notes.
c. Progression
The topics learned in the previous modules were applied in a concentrated manner. Everyone contributed, there was no confusion, and a calm and harmonious atmosphere prevailed throughout the activity.
Targeted questions were asked and the differences and similarities of the individual symbols were identified. In the sketch, all parts were visualized and given the names of the participants. This enabled the interconnected shape to be built up firstly on the flip chart.
d. Finish
The excellent preparatory work allowed the machine to be manufactured in just a few minutes, because everyone knew everything about everything.
Transfer to the real World
| Elements in the learning project | Elements in the real world |
|---|---|
| 16 parts | Assembly parts from different departments |
| Mirror | Machine from the customer’s perspective |
| Complete set | Ordered machine |
| Goal (error-free work) | 100% customer satisfaction |
Reflection
The following insights were identified:
• Visualizing complex processes helps because:
… our brains can understand images better.
… fewer mistakes happen.
… each team member can picture it in some way.
… everyone can be involved, which increases motivation.
• Contributing our own ideas is important to optimize the process.
• We have to be careful not to make careless statements like “I already said that three times.”
• Our guiding principle: “One person talks, the others listen” was not always followed.
• Going too fast leads to poor results. It is better to work calmly, in a concentrated and meticulous manner.
The group concluded that the results revealed in the reflection phase could and should also be implemented 1:1 in their working lives. In addition, it once again illustrated with great clarity the importance of customer satisfaction.
This was used as the basis for a joint discussion on what specific contributions trainees can make in order to increase customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Communic8 is a great task for linking and intensifying the topics of teamwork, communication, customer satisfaction, and CIP (continuous improvement process).
The trainees enjoyed the learning project and were justifiably proud of the result they achieved. The opportunity to use visualization was exploited perfectly and created transparency for all participants.
Paul (trainee): “The experience of standing at the flip chart and presenting the shapes described by the other trainees in a way that everyone understood was challenging. I’m really happy we did that today.”
Annabelle (trainee): “This task made me particularly aware of how quickly you can talk past each other and how important it is to ask questions – even if you think you’ve understood the other person!”