Continuous Improvement Remote Delivery - Course Modules

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 60 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 90 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To identify specific actions that will enable groups to achieve a shared vision.
• To help individuals see how they will contribute to the achievement of a shared vision.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels working in a team. It is particularly well suited to new teams formed for a fixed period to manage/implement a project.

You'll Need:
• To have pre-prepared a collaborative whiteboard for the session. We recommend using Miro and for those unfamiliar with this solution, there is an article in Trainers’ Library called Using Miro to help you.

Notes:
This module allows the group to share and develop ideas for achieving their shared vision.

The group need to be clear about what their vision is. If they’re not, we recommend using Creating a Shared Vision first.

You will need to pre-prepare a PowerPoint slide to display at the start of the exercise reminding them of their vision statement.

This is a long session for Remote Delivery, so we suggest taking a 15-20 minute break in the middle where indicated in the notes.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To identify what gets in the way of internal customer service.
• To consider ways to reduce or eliminate the barriers to internal customer care.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and your PIN.
• To have created a blank Miro board (though you can use a whiteboard if you prefer).

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To reflect on how a team or organisation is viewed by its employees and customers.
• To consider a team or organisation’s strengths and weaknesses.
• To generate discussion about how to develop strengths and overcome weaknesses.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Managers at all levels and/or their teams.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link provided and your unique PIN.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To agree what success looks like for everyone.
• To establish effective working relationships within groups or teams.
• To create a vision statement for the team.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels working in a team. It is particularly well suited to new teams formed for a fixed period to manage/implement a project.

You'll Need:
• To have pre-prepared a collaborative whiteboard for the session. We recommend using Miro and for those unfamiliar with this solution, there is an article in Trainers’ Library called Using Miro to help you.

Notes:
This module allows the group to share ideas and agree some common aims and values before creating a shared vision. It can be used as a stand-alone activity or combined with others to form a longer event. The module Achieving a Shared Vision naturally leads on from this module.

If you have fewer than 6 participants, split the group into 2 teams and create a Jamboard that has just two columns rather than three.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 40 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To illustrate the importance of customer service.
• To demonstrate how little changes can have a big impact to customers’ perception of the service they receive.
• To illustrate the importance of people to customer service.
• To identify improvements that can be made to customer service within the participants’ teams/organisation.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Links and your PIN.

Notes:
Demonstrates how little changes can make a big difference when it comes to customer service.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes (see notes). In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to consider their attitude.
• To encourage discussion of optimistic versus pessimistic outlooks.
• To recognise the impact that attitude has on performance.
• To enable participants to identify personal traits that might be holding them back.
• To encourage leaders to consider how they might deal with negative attitudes in their team.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• To consider sending participants a copy of the handout in advance of the training session. The PDF version is a form that can be completed online.

Notes:
This module provides an excellent opportunity, when working with a wide range of participants, to consider how attitude can impact on performance. Topics where the inclusion of a module looking at optimism/pessimism might be beneficial include:
• Managing change.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Customer service.
• Selling skills.
• Leading a team.
• Strategic leadership.
• Communication skills.
• Planning and scheduling.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Breakout Rooms.

Time:
The exercise in this workshop can be completed in about 55 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 120 minutes for this workshop.

Aims:
• To review the learning from the previous three Hotel Doldrums modules.
• To identify how to apply the learning to the workplace.
• To create an action plan for implementing the learning.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels including individuals, groups and teams that need to use strategic planning and analysis skills in the workplace.

You'll Need:
• The Miro/collaborative whiteboard used by participants to record key learning points from the last session.

Notes:
This is designed to be run as a half day workshop. It is the final one of a series of four and is not designed to be used in isolation of the others. It provides participants with a structured way to review the learning from the previous modules and think about how and when they will apply this learning in their workplace.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (Not required).
• Breakout Rooms (Required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To develop participant’s brainstorming skills.
• To identify what changes participants would like to see within their team/department.
• To explore how participants can make those changes possible.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Existing teams.

You'll Need:
• To prepare a Miro board before the session (see trainer notes).

Notes:
This module is designed for situations where your participants work together in the same team. It can be run as a stand-alone exercise on brainstorming, or as part of a session looking to develop the continuous improvement skills of a team.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 40 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To give participants the opportunity to map a real internal service chain and identify critical internal relationships.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This follow on to Internal Service Chain – The Garden Studio, is designed for use where participants work for the same organisation and provides a practical application of the learning from that module.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required - unless working with a group of 6 or fewer).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore the concept of an internal service chain.
• To give participants the opportunity to map an internal service chain and identify critical internal relationships.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of between 8 to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels, including managers and senior managers.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This activity uses functionality available in Zoom, which may not be available in other solutions – specifically the ability to move participants from one breakout room to another.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To provide participants an opportunity to review and ‘continuously’ improve their performance.
• To illustrate the importance of a continuous improvement process.
• To recognise behaviours that can get in the way of continuous improvement.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Teams.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slides ready to send to, or share with, participants.
• A stopwatch or timer for each team in play.

Notes:
This module works best when participants are split into teams of 2 or 3.

There are two versions of this activity – this one focuses on Continuous Improvement and the other version called ‘The Problem with Letters’ focuses on Problem Solving skills.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 60 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 75 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To identify improvements that can be made.
• To identify things that need to be taken into consideration when planning continuous improvement activities.
• To plan one improvement that can be implemented in the workplace.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 35 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 50 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To help participants understand the importance of prioritising the problems they face.
• To allow participants to plan their next steps in addressing problems based on both their ability AND desire to solve them.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• To prepare a Miro board (or similar, depending on your chosen solution) before the session (see trainer notes).

Notes:
It may help to facilitate the initial discussion if you have a workplace problem of your own to share.

Whilst designed as a group training session, this technique also works well for 1:1 coaching.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participants’ planning and communication skills.
• To demonstrate the importance of listening and using summary and clarification to check understanding.
• To consider what makes communication effective and the dangers of getting it wrong.
• To energise a group of participants.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Team Brief and appropriate Activity Links together with your unique PIN ready to send to the Team Leaders (Shepherds).

Notes:
The timings shown above are based on giving the team(s) one attempt to complete a route around the course.

However, you might like to give teams the opportunity to review their performance and have another go, either immediately, or later in the training, particularly if you want to link this activity to continuous improvement.

For each additional attempt, allow a further 30 minutes.

We’ve provided three different Route Maps for this activity, each of which is progressively more difficult. If you plan on giving participants just one attempt to complete the task, we recommend using Route 1/Activity Link 1 (the simplest) or Route 2 on Activity Link 2.

If teams will have more than one opportunity to attempt the challenge, use a progressively difficult map in each subsequent round.

You might like to have small prizes for the winning/successful teams.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Breakout Rooms (required for larger groups).
• The system you use must also give participants the ability to annotate a file shared on screen with a ‘Stamp’, similar to that provided in Zoom.

Special Note of Thanks:
We would like to thank our customers, Bharti Dekate and the team at We Are Ideas Consulting in Mumbai, India for the enormous help and generosity in designing this remote delivery version of Glasstap Sheep Trials.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 40 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 50 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To provide an opportunity for managers to practise writing objectives that are SMART.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Participants with managerial responsibility (or those that will have imminently).

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
For participants who don’t already know what SMART means, we recommend running Objectives - Introducing SMART first.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 35 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 70 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To generate ideas for improving customer service, a process, department, business…any aspect of a business or organisation.
• To encourage participants to think about a problem or challenge from different and sometimes unusual perspectives.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone who wants to generate ideas for continuous improvement.

You'll Need:
• To select the questions that will be in play and create a blank whiteboard before running this activity. We recommend using Miro or a suitable alternative solution. (There is an article – Using Miro - to help you if you are unfamiliar with Miro.)

Notes:
Although the brainstorm/discussion activity and discussion can be completed in 40 minutes, we strongly recommend adding the action planning activity outlined at the end of the module, which adds a further 30 minutes, unless this is incorporated elsewhere in your training.

We’ve included some wacky questions in the set of Brainstorm Bench cards. These have blue text to make them easier to identify, so you can decide if you’d like to include them.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).