Collaborating for Stakeholder Engagement

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary risk identified in the project described?

The primary risk was miscommunication that could disrupt lab activities.

What communication tool was created to provide clarity regarding restricted areas and equipment locations?

A detailed schedule and site map was created.

Name one of the actions taken to ensure stakeholders were informed about the project.

A kickoff meeting was organized or follow-up emails were sent summarizing key outcomes.

What specific scheduling issue was encountered during the project?

There was miscommunication about roof access and fire sensor isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What vendor is explicitly mentioned as a major supplier?

BOC is explicitly mentioned as a major supplier. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of the project?

The main objective was to service all lab fume hoods while coordinating with stakeholders. Signup and view all the answers

What did the project learn about adapting communication methods?

Adapting communication methods to team needs is crucial to maintaining engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What were the project's main success criteria?

The project had to be completed within the set timeframe, without disrupting critical lab activities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary issue that led to the lab's account with BOC being blocked?

Unpaid invoices due to poor invoice management practices at the Mars Wrigley site. Signup and view all the answers

What crucial action did the author take to separate the lab's finances from Mars Wrigley?

Initiated a project to separate the lab as a distinct financial entity. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the key stakeholders involved in addressing the issue with BOC?

BOC, Mars, and Ariba teams. Signup and view all the answers

Besides outlining the problem, what was the other key objective for the initial stakeholder engagement meetings?

Gathering pain points and proposing objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal behind inviting BOC representatives for a site visit?

To build rapport and trust. Signup and view all the answers

What were the key actions during weekly meetings with stakeholders to ensure progress?

Capturing minutes, setting clear next steps, ensuring mutual agreement, and escalating unresolved items. Signup and view all the answers

How was the meeting time adjusted to accommodate the various stakeholders?

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the project in terms of the lab's financial status and communication?

Separated as a distinct financial entity, communication streamlined from six to three contacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for aligning stakeholders and minimizing disruptions?

Clear and consistent communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of event was planned to strengthen collaboration, understanding, and relationships within a diverse team?

A yearly FA team-building event Signup and view all the answers

What was a key consideration when planning the team-building event to ensure inclusivity?

Accommodating everyone's schedules and maintaining on-site safety Signup and view all the answers

What specific tool was used to identify team members' strengths and weaknesses during the team-building event?

A Belbin assessment Signup and view all the answers

Besides the Belbin assessment, what other type of activity was included in the team-building event to foster personal connection?

A storytelling game Signup and view all the answers

Name one way the event organizer ensured the team felt valued during the event?

Catering to diverse dietary needs or encouraging open communication Signup and view all the answers

How did the event organizer use observations of team members to improve team performance?

Reallocating team members into subgroups that aligned with their strengths Signup and view all the answers

What specific action did Will take after the team-building event to improve team performance?

Created a plan for the year's response tests and introduced motivational rewards Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary responsibility of the individual in the First Aid (FA) team leadership role?

To build a confident and effective team. Signup and view all the answers

How did the FA team leader ensure the team was well-prepared for their roles during the recruitment process?

By clearly outlining FA team responsibilities and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did the FA team leader take to improve the performance of a member not answering FA phones regularly?

Scheduled one-on-one meetings to understand the issue and create tailored improvement plans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the FA team leader's actions on the underperforming team member?

The member improved and is now overachieving with phone pick up. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key change learned during the FA team leadership role?

Accountability and timely intervention are critical to maintaining high team standards. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the FA team leader assign members to sub-teams?

Based on their strengths, weaknesses, and objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the monthly and quarterly meetings led by the FA team leader?

To review FA findings, discuss improvements, and assign actionable tasks with deadlines Signup and view all the answers

Besides leading the FA team, what other responsibility did this leader manage?

Organizing and facilitating engineer visits to the labs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective while servicing lab equipment?

To ensure that all equipment is serviced and fit for purpose, maintaining both lab user safety and data quality during sample analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of implementing a 24-hour stabilization period for the balances?

To ensure the balances were accurate after fume hood movement. Signup and view all the answers

How was scheduling miscommunication regarding roof access and fire sensor isolation resolved?

By coordinating with facilities and security. Signup and view all the answers

How was the first week of the pipette clinic impacted by the actions taken?

It was completed on schedule. Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate weight of the freezer in the situation described?

350kg Signup and view all the answers

Besides fire sensor isolation, what other safety measure was put in place?

Fire marshalling rotations were scheduled. Signup and view all the answers

What were associates asked to follow when they made unrelated requests?

Proper protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What were two of the key learnings mentioned regarding managing multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines?

Strong planning and communication. Signup and view all the answers

What proactive step was taken to address the lorry driver's lack of training?

Facilities were contacted to arrange last-minute support. Signup and view all the answers

Beyond just completing the task of delivering the freezer, what additional goal was emphasized throughout the described process?

Ensuring safety and compliance with all regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What method was used to inform the entire site about the upcoming freezer delivery and potential disruptions?

Site-wide emails were sent a week in advance. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key takeaways from the freezer delivery project related to potential issues that may arise?

Always prepare for contingencies. Signup and view all the answers

What specific action showed an effort to understand the new lab environment after switching departments?

Shadowing sessions with the lab resource coordinator were deliberately arranged. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it important to network with the new lab team, besides getting to know new people?

To understand their roles, workflows, and departmental dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons it was important to provide participant-specific communication regarding the freezer move?

To outline individual responsibilities and locations for different tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What was the stated reason that delaying a task is permissible, in order to ensure safety?

Safety must never be compromised. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Collaborates: Building Partnerships

Building partnerships with others to meet shared objectives
Unpaid invoices blocked lab's account with BOC, impacting lab, Vet, and Research teams, as well as BOC
Lab and Mars Wrigley site were under the same financial umbrella, creating invoice management issues
Initiated a project to separate the lab's financial entity to prevent recurring issues and rebuild trust with BOC

Stakeholder Engagement

Organized meetings with key stakeholders (BOC, Mars, and Ariba teams) to outline the problem, gather pain points, and propose objectives
Ensured alignment with stakeholders
Invited BOC representatives for a site visit to build rapport and trust

Building Trust

Invited BOC representatives for site visit to understand lab's work and build rapport and trust

Process Management

Scheduled and led weekly meetings with BOC, Mars, and financial representatives to address outstanding invoices
Captured minutes and set clear, actionable next steps
Ensured mutual agreement on actions and timelines
Escalated unresolved items when necessary to maintain momentum

Collaboration And Flexibility

Adjusted meeting times from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accommodate stakeholder availability

Result

Successfully separated lab as a distinct financial entity under "Petcare"
Reduced contacts from six to three to streamline communication
Unblocked lab accounts, restoring purchasing capabilities
Improved efficiency
Cleared 50% of outstanding ledger invoices

Learnings

Importance of regular review and accountability to prevent delays in projects
Adapting communication methods to team needs is crucial to maintaining engagement

Communicated Effectively

Developed and delivered multi-mode communications to understand the unique needs of different audiences

Situation: Engineering Project

Facilitated an engineering project involving lab fume hood servicing, coordinating with engineers, lab users and external vendors
Overlapping projects, tight deadlines, and risk of miscommunication
Ensured all stakeholders informed, aligned, and able to collaborate effectively
Maintained safety and minimized disruption while delivering project on time

Action: Engineering Project

Organized kickoff meetings with stakeholders (lab users and facilities) to discuss objectives, schedules, and dependencies
Created a visual communication tool (schedule and site map) to outline restricted areas and movement paths
Sent advanced notices to lab users to inform about temporary restrictions and changes in workflows
Regularly checked with stakeholders, resolving any issues promptly, and using effective delegation (e.g. assigning lab owners to guide engineers)

Result: Engineering Project

Successfully serviced all lab fume hood equipment in the set timeframe
Clear and effective communication maintained alignment and avoided confusion

Interpersonal Savvy: Relating with Diverse Groups

Planned an FA team-building event for 15 members across all levels (operations, research, labs and facilities)
Ensured inclusivity, accommodating everyone's schedules and maintaining safety
Strengthened teams, fostered collaboration
Initiated and led the planning process to ensure inclusivity and engagement
Organized resources, including catering, and encouraged SM to involve the team in decisions
Suggested personal and professional activities (Belbin assessment, storytelling)
Observed team members, evaluated strengths/weaknesses, and reallocated team members into subgroups based on aligned efforts

Result: Interpersonal Savvy

Strengthened team dynamics
Improved performance, alignment of strengths to roles
Increased cohesion & collaboration
Open communication and recognition
Learned importance of balancing physical and interactive activities for engagement

Ensures Accountability: Holding Self and Others Accountable

Part of the First Aid team for five years and leader since January 2024
Ensured team is well prepared for any FA situations
Established a strong team culture, starting from recruitment
Team members understand responsibilities and committed to maintaining safety
Engages, motivates, and holds team members accountable for consistent performance

Action: Ensures Accountability

Clearly outlined FA responsibilities and expectations during recruitment
Assigned members to sub-teams based on strengths/weaknesses/objectives
Leads monthly and quarterly meetings to review FA findings, discuss improvements, and assign actionable tasks
Analyzed KPI data and assigned tasks to maintain progress

Result: Ensures Accountability

Team meets or exceeds expectations
FA team members consistently meet expectations

Manages Complexity

Making sense of complex, high quantity and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems

Planning & Scheduling

Developed detailed schedules, ensured cleanliness protocols, and prioritized equipment servicing

Communication & Delegation

Communicated clear expectations to the team, delegated tasks effectively, and ensured smooth facilitation

Problem-Solving

Resolved scheduling miscommunications
Issued work permits, arranged fire sensor isolation, scheduled fire marshall rotations

Handling Competing Priorities

Addressed unrelated requests by guiding associates
Asked probing questions to determine urgency

Result: Planning & Scheduling, Communication, Problem-Solving, Handling Competing Priorities

Successfully facilitated servicing of 26 fume hoods in 5 days, followed a schedule, and avoided disruptions

Key Learning: Planning & Scheduling, Communication, Problem-Solving, Handling Competing Priorities

Reduced Chemical Disposal Visits

Reduced chemical disposal visits from 3 hours to 1 hour by preplanning, requesting data and encouraging team alignments

Enhanced Collaboration

Enhanced collaboration between operations and labs, leading to smoother workflows

Interview Qs:

Objectives and development needs
Potential challenges in first six months
Areas for elaboration on previous discussions

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Description

This quiz focuses on the importance of building partnerships and trust among stakeholders, particularly in the context of managing financial issues and fostering collaboration. Participants will explore strategies for engaging key parties, managing processes, and ensuring alignment to achieve shared objectives.