Cascade Meeting: Top 3 Things to Decide Prior to Cascading to Teams

Implementing a new methodology for your team that requires people to be more focused, aligned and accountable doesn't always have everyone dancing in the aisles.

The best practice is for Rhythm implementation to begin with the executive team first. The executive team will build new habits around Think Plan Do®. They will learn how to have more effective Weekly Adjustment Meetings. They will become masters at Red-Yellow-Green.

Once the executive team is very comfortable with Rhythm, then it's time to cascade to departments. It's a big step, no doubt about it, and it's not uncommon for some to have trepidation about cascading Rhythm to their teams. Some teams actually get stuck here. However, it's nothing a little advanced planning can't help you overcome. 

3 Things to Determine Before You Cascade Your Strategic Plan 

1. Determine your Teams. 

Cascading is less about hierarchy or who reports to whom. It is more about organizing people in the best way for effective planning sessions and weekly meetings. Who does it make sense to plan together quarterly and meet together weekly? Most times it runs along departmental lines (sales team, operations team, etc.), but that's not always the case. For example, it might make sense for Sales & Marketing to function together as a team in your organization (meaning they plan together quarterly and meeting together weekly). Or, it might make sense to separate them. You may decide to organize teams by location (stores, plants, etc.). Keep in mind that teams of 10 or less operate more efficiently.

2. Establish your Team Leaders. 

Each team needs to have a Team Leader. Team Leaders usually sit on the executive team. They act as a guide during planning to drive the team's alignment to the Company Plan. They hold the team accountable to establishing their Plan and Do Rhythms. A strong Team Leader is paramount to the success of the team. Keep in mind that some Team Leaders might require some coaching to improve their skills.

3. Work out the Weekly Meeting Schedule.

One of the many benefits of cascade is the proper flow of information from the teams to the executive team. (Not to mention the ability of teams to look at each other!) The best sequence I have seen for Weekly Meetings is for teams to have their meetings prior to the executive team meeting. This enables Team Leaders to come to the Executive Team Weekly Meeting with the most up to date information from their teams. If something is stuck at the team level, it bubbles up through the Team Leader. Keep in mind that Planning works in the reverse - Company Planning first, then Cascade Planning.