Planning and Prioritizing Your Work

Presenter:

Tanya CoutrayDirector, Data AnalyticsWalmart International Compliance

International Compliance

Data Analytics

Life & Family

Marshmallow Challenge

Goal: Build the Tallest Freestanding Structure

• The winning team is the one that has the tallest structure measured from the table top surface to the top of the marshmallow.

• Structure cannot be suspended from a higher structure, like a chair, ceiling or light fixture.

Marshmallow Challenge

Rules:✦ The Entire Marshmallow Must be on Top of the Structure Cutting or eating part of the marshmallow disqualifies the team.

✦ Use as Much or as Little of the KitThe team can use as many or as few of the 20 spaghetti sticks, as much or as little of the string or tape. The team cannot use the paper bag as part of their structure.

✦ Break up the Spaghetti, String or TapeTeams are free to break the spaghetti, cut up the tape and string to create new structures.

✦ The Challenge Lasts 18 minutesTeams cannot hold on to the structure when the time runs out. Those touching or supporting the structure at the end of the exercise will be disqualified.

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Whoconsistently struggles

with the

project?

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Whoexcelled with the

project?

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Iterative Process

A process for arriving at a decision or a desired result by repeating rounds of analysis or a cycle of operations.

The objective is to bring the desired decision or result closer to discovery with each repetition (iteration).

The iterative process can be used where the decision is not easily revocable (such as a marriage or war) or where the consequences of revocation could be costly.

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Specialized Skills+ Facilitation Skills= Success

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

Incentives + Low or High Skills + Information = Success

The Marshmallow is a Metaphor for the

Hidden Assumptions of a Project:

The assumption in the Marshmallow

Challenge is that marshmallows are light and

fluffy and easily supported by the spaghetti

sticks. When you actually try to build the

structure, the marshmallows don’t seem so

light. The lesson in the marshmallow

challenge is that we need to identify the

assumptions in our project - the real customer

needs, the cost of the product, the duration

of the service - and test them early and often.

That’s the mechanism that leads to effective

innovation.

Planning & Implementing

Know Your Team Members

• Bambi converts to Believer and carries the torch for the brand – rally others

• Proudly wear company logo• Office adorned with knickknacks• Love company picnics

• Bambi converts to Alpha (1%)• Ultimate believers - love crushing competition

and corporate game• Can be intoxicating but can also be abrupt,

egotistical• Need challenges

9 Personality Types in Your Workplace

• New recruits/new hires – start out bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

• Fresh hard drives – ready to be filled with data.• Fresh smiles, broad smiles and professionalism.• Crave learning, mentorship and new opportunities

• Make it to senior positions• Know how to work the system• Do not like change or risk• Loyalty, shared history and know

where the bodies are buried

• Solid team players• Seek out clarity – excellent project

managers, analysis, process improvement and people development

• Content, stay late and deliver results• Easily rally others

9 Personality Types in Your Workplace

• Capable and talented but generally more skeptical, analytical and idealistic.

• Logic and pragmatic wiring – no unquestioned followership.

• Perform best when questions are answered – not willing to wave the flag unless they know why they are doing it.

• Ambitious and talented but need work-life balance• Humble leaders – earn genuine loyalty and respect from

peers and customers• Respond best when mission aligns with their values and

feels right• Demotivated when success measures are unclear or unfair

• Wildcards – Visionaries and innovators or just Rule

Breakers?

• Bring about change and fix things or just beaten down

by system

• Can be intoxicating but can also be abrupt, egotistical

• Need challenges

9 Personality Types in Your Workplace

• Usually represent a large portion of any corporate population.

• View work as necessary to get them what they want outside of work – family, fun, online shopping, etc.

• Not looking to conquer the corporate world, but they are essential

• Performance can range from incredibly efficient to frustrating and sluggish.

9 Personality Types in Your Workplace

Group Dynamics

Managing Group Dynamics

Managing Group Dynamics

Planning: Set a Vision, Set Goals

Planning: Objectives & Course of Action

Executing: Focus

Define

Design

Deploy

Evaluate

Refine

Plan and Implement Effectively – Use Mind Mapping to uncover all tasks to be successful, focus and execute.

Identify and appreciate workforce personalities –Tailor your approach to each individual and match strengths to responsibilities.

Recognize Group Dynamics – Acknowledge the group state and use group management techniques to get to Norming and Performing quicker.

Remember the Marshmallow – Continuously gather information and iterate to achieve results.

Bringing the learning back to

your workplace

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Questions?