Page 104 - Six Sigma Demystified

Chapter 4 DEF INE STAGE 85

helpful to slow the frenzy and ensure that the points of disagreement are clear
to all. In this way, misinterpretation can be resolved or minority voices heard.
An effective method of doing this is to help the team develop a clear list of
advantages and disadvantages for each option. Keep the focus on the specific
problem at hand. Help team members to remove opinions and attitudes that
cloud or prejudice the issues. At the least, develop a consensus on the points
that need to be addressed for the issue to be resolved.
When team authority is not recognized, usually by those outside the team,
then stakeholders may not have been identified properly. Often team authority
is questioned by groups or individuals who feel that they are not represented
on the team and refuse to contribute as a result. It may be that they are indeed
represented, but they have not been brought up to speed on the team’s mission.
These problems can be prevented through proper communication throughout
the stakeholder groups. When stakeholders refuse to contribute or actively
block progress, sponsors may need to discuss these issues with the individuals
outside the team setting.
Power struggles also can occur in teams, usually when more senior members
of an organization decide to “flex their muscle” or if two groups in the organiza-
tion have competing interests. The ground rules, discussed at the initial meet-
ing, should be referenced and enforced to prevent escalation of these struggles.
Data- driven consensus- based decision making often undercuts these power
struggles. Creating an environment where all members participate prevents
certain team members from dominating the discussions.
It may sound silly, but too much agreement also may be a bad thing. Conflict
can be good. A healthy dose of skepticism may find a problem before it becomes
a headache. Respectful differences of opinion can help the brainstorming pro-

cess uncover new methods or discover old problems that haven’t been
addressed.
In summary, the following issues regarding team development and consensus
building should be recognized:

• Projects cannot succeed without a team effort by the affected stake-
holders.
• Team members have the responsibility to ensure team performance.
• The team leader must establish and enforce ground rules.

• Buy- in is crucial; consensus builds buy- in.
• Responsible team management leads to successful project management.