Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
INSIGHT
The most effective checkpoints are integrated with rapid
improvement and as close to “real-time” as possible, but not so close as to
intrude on performance.
This could be viewed from a CMMI perspective as “mini-continuous process
tailorings.” These techniques often help golf professionals save a potentially
bad round, and turn it into a great round. The same techniques can have simi-
lar effects in business. An argument often heard against this approach is that
continuous change will lead to chaos. This is why you need the
minimum
“
must-do's”
13
defined first to make the boundaries clear in your organization.
Drawing More Lessons from Golf Professionals to Help in Business
The visualization golf technique is analogous to the project leader keeping
the end goals of the project constantly clear for all team members. The prac-
tice swing is continuous training, which is essential to counter the natural
pressures that often arise taking us away from our end project goal.
During workshop training sessions I hold with clients, I often use “what-if”
scenarios to help attendees visualize themselves and prepare for real project
situations. I have also suggested using these techniques each day at work
possibly early in the morning before the day gets started to consider the
likely “what-if” scenarios for that day. This becomes your “practice swing”
before you execute your
“
real swing” that day at work. You are preparing
yourself, just like a golf professional prepares for each hole and each golf
shot.
9.20 How the Checkpoints Helped to Achieve the Golf
Project Goal and More
My goal on the golf improvement project was consistent performance to a
well-defined level. The checkpoints I selected helped maintain my golf
swing tempo and my rhythm throughout the marathon golf week in
Williamsburg. They were placed at key points where I could sense a problem
starting and correct it before it reached a point where I could no longer con-
trol it. These points were based on my past swing weaknesses, which never
13. Refer to Chapter 4 for more information on the minimum “must-do's.”
