For the Birds
Ever watch birds flying in formation? There are some fascinating bits of science that have evolved over the years that enable a large flock (a team with a shared mission) to execute a migratory process effectively and efficiently. They have come up with a process that successfully incorporates the laws of physics, economics and group behavior. Leadership of the flock rotates so that fatigue is dissipated across players rather than concentrated on one alpha. Of course, it’s taken a long time for this to evolve, and they may have some insights worth emulating.
We’ve recently innovated the process of DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) for some clients, incorporating several fundamental changes, changes that address critical success factors for our more turbulent business environment. The luxuries of stability and availability of historical data that was relevant to what is ahead have diminished for some, if not many. Be it business, public service, military, global or local, stuff must be done “on the run” and on the field, not from the stands. This is particularly true in industries that incorporate rapidly advancing technologies and, without exception, those that must integrate and consolidate components and processes from multiple players.
In some respects, the design processes that led to the execution processes must now behave more like a synchronized flock of migratory birds than a herd led by the alpha. That means that as we collectively fly into the future, the roles of who leads and who follows may rotate several times as each player fatigues or the other player innovates faster. We know that sometimes we lead our customers into better solutions, but often, customers drag us into better performance. There are lots of data to support both. The same is true when we are the customers with our suppliers. If you consider that a large number of our products and services require a whole bunch (substitute flock) of flying together, the lead will change. A better solution by our supplier will lead to a better solution for our customer, that is, if we are willing to rotate the lead.
Now, we have all kinds of reasons, typically rules, which would make some feel that this is crazy and would not work. Yet, as I observe the rapid revolution of telecommunications technologies, particularly smartphones, I see some birds flying in formation while others are minding the size of the nest.
We’ll be sharing more of these thoughts soon at the upcoming Performance Conference 2010 in Las Vegas on October 13, 2010. For the curious, the link is http: //www.theperformanceconference.com/.
The Next time someone says that what you’re doing is for the birds, thank them.
Thoughts?
