How would you fix a broken team?

[Clint]

If you were about to start a new job and you were going to have to get an organization with thirty some customer service centers back on track, how would you start? Assume the organization has fallen into a bunch of individual units that are doing their own thing. Also assume that there is a lot of infighting and poor customer service

[pina]

Sack the lot and start again...... no! just joking

I would sort through the staff get rid of the ones that are no good or let them know that if they dont do their jobs properly they will have to go, make sure all the units have good managers or supervisors, have meetings to lay down the law that all units have to work together. Get tough from the begining.

Thats my way, but who am I anyway. Your the man and I'm sure you will do what needs doing to get it all running smoothly.

[nvalleyvee]

I'd start by uniting the heads of each service center under several "district" units each reportable to you. I'd try to instill some incentives - even if it is just free movie passes for now. I'm not really a big organizer so that is all I have to offer. Sorry.

[abbey]

You got a job working for British telecom!??

[Clint]

Originally Posted by abbey

You got a job working for British telecom!??

Something like that I think.

[Bez]

Originally Posted by Clint

If you were about to start a new job and you were going to have to get an organization with thirty some customer service centers back on track, how would you start? Assume the organization has fallen into a bunch of individual units that are doing their own thing. Also assume that there is a lot of infighting and poor customer service

If they were united once, it might be an idea to find out why things have 'fallen apart' ....call a meeting, conduct a survey, create a newsletter to generate some interest, find a common goal...sounds as if their motivation has gone 'down the pan'...I wonder why !

[Clint]

Originally Posted by nvalleyvee

I'd start by uniting the heads of each service center under several "district" units each reportable to you. I'd try to instill some incentives - even if it is just free movie passes for now. I'm not really a big organizer so that is all I have to offer. Sorry.

We can assume the district managers are in place. I like the use of incentives. You know...like... you play with the team and you get to keep your job.

Seriously, incentives in some form sound good.

Thanks

[Clint]

Originally Posted by Bez

If they were united once, it might be an idea to find out why things have 'fallen apart' ....call a meeting, conduct a survey, create a newsletter to generate some interest, find a common goal...sounds as if their motivation has gone 'down the pan'...I wonder why !

I think a newsletter would help people understand the common goals. I think we can assume the motivation was lost during the leadership or lack thereof by a retiring administrator.

[nvalleyvee]

Originally Posted by Clint

We can assume the district managers are in place. I like the use of incentives. You know...like... you play with the team and you get to keep your job.

Seriously, incentives in some form sound good.

Thanks

- Like I said - I've never been there done that -- sounds like you are getting some good advice though.

Clint...

Now were talkin my specialty here...

Long time ago, my job was to assess leadership abilities, pull those who possessed a working leadership style and train them, then id group the followers under the natural leaders and train them in small groups.. we'd fosus on leadership skills, communications and then thier individual specialties... in my case it was weapons... and easily learned skill. I left the tactics and strategy up to the leaders...

So heres what I'd do if i were you...

make personal visits, first as a customer with them not knowing who you are. second as a fellow worker same senario, third as their new manager...

look for the leaders, train them well to your standard. teach them to teach the others....

in every group i trained... humans are pretty much the same animal. be honest, be upfront, keep your word, gain their respect...model teamwork at every move.

I know im not telling you anything new...

btu thats what id do...start by assessing the leadership skills they already have.