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How to Create a Team Leader Based Organization

Oct 22, 2015 | Posted by Ben Thompson

Teamwork is a Foundation of the Toyota Production System

What is the development framework to develop a “team leader” based organization?

 

Roles & Responsibilities of:

1. Production Manager – Responsible for overall performance of a Manufacturing Unit
2. Supervisor – Responsible for about 35 people; Responsible for People, Equipment and Processes
3. Team Leader – leading a team of 6 to 9 employees; Responsible for daily production results; Responsible for sustaining and implementing manufacturing processes; Responsible for Continuous Improvement activities;  Team development – not for disciplinary issues

Manager’s Roles & Responsibilities:

1. Provide and secure all resources necessary to achieve company goals and objectives
2. Assure that all company rules, policies and standards, are followed and complied
3. Provide safe and healthy work environment for all employees
4. Make sure that for everything we do there is a well defined standard procedure, which is followed by all employees
5. Push the decision making process to the lowest possible level in your organization
6. Initiate problem solving and improvement activities

 Supervisors Roles & Responsibilities:

1. People Responsibility
   • Administrative: policies, attendance, corrective actions, manpower and vacation planning
   • People development, cross-training and team morale
   • Group safety performance
   • Coordinate work with other departments – Overtime
   • Help cover TL absence
   • Coordinate support from outside groups
   • Continuous Improvement Activities – Quality Circles
2. Process Responsibility
   • Report and track daily production results
   • Shift to shift coordination
   • Monthly production planning
   • Operating budget and cost control
   • Cost reduction activities and process improvement projects : productivity, quality, ergonomics, etc.
   • Coordinate major maintenance activities
   • Confirm routine quality and TL checks
3. Supervisor Skill Requirements
   • Working knowledge of all manufacturing processes, equipment, parts and components in his/her area of responsibility
   • Knowledge of company’s policies, rules and regulations applying to his/her area of responsibility
   • Knowledge of all health and safety, quality and labour standards applying to his/her area of responsibility
   • Leadership skills, facilitation skills, problem solving skills, management skills and planning skills
   • Understanding of principles of TPS / continuous improvement

Team Leader’s Roles & Responsibilities:

1. People Responsibility
   • Respond to T/L calls by operators
   • Assign work to operators, cover absenteeism and support employees when necessary
   • Conduct training and cross-training
   • Assure that Standardized Work is followed
   • Facilitate small group activities
   • Initiate and work on Continuous Improvement projects
2. Process Responsibility
   • Process start-up and control
   • Meet production goals – achieve daily production results
   • Assure that all equipment and machinery is operational and in good working order
   • Confirm quality – conduct routine checks
   • Assist in set-ups and changeovers when necessary
   • Insure parts and materials are supplied to operators
   • Issue Work orders for quick maintenance
   • Collect data and completed required reports
3. Team Leader Skill Requirements
   • Working knowledge of all “Jobs” in his/her area of responsibility – ability to perform any job in the area
   • Understanding of all manufacturing processes, equipment and procedures in his/her area
   • Demonstrated ability to train people  Leadership, problem solving and analytical skills
   • Knowledge of company’s policies, rules and regulations applying to his/her area of responsibility
   • Understanding of principles of TPS / continuous improvement

 

What does your team-leader based organization look like?

 

Marek

marek@truenorththinking.ca

416-235-2531