With the exception of the first, every kaizen event day should start with a “plus delta” activity. This simple 15 minute activity is one of reflection on the last 24 hours (think hansei) in which the team identifies the positive things (plus) and that which they would like to change (delta). It’s one of several kaizen event work strategy elements (another being daily team leader meetings). Essentially, it is an opportunity for the team to briefly check, take some brief satisfaction in the good, recognize opportunities for improvement and then make necessary adjustments. It is all about kaizen team effectiveness and learning.
So, how does the plus delta work? It’s pretty basic. At the beginning of each day, usually immediately after the event facilitator has refreshed everyone’s memory relative to the day’s plan, each team member, based on the last 24 hours, individually records pluses on green Post-Its and things they would like to change on pink Post-Its. One item per Post-It. The team members then place the Post-Its on a flip chart. Pluses on the left side, deltas on the right.
After everyone has attached their Post-Its to the flip chart, the facilitator will review several pluses, then several deltas, then several pluses, then several deltas, etc. Pluses usually include things like, “Sub-team activities were very productive,” and “Everyone candidly shared their thoughts and ideas,” while deltas can include things like, “The break-out room was too cold,” or “The team often got off track/scope.”
Reading the deltas is not enough, the team needs to determine appropriate countermeasure(s) for the substantive deltas. For example, in order to ensure that the team does not get off track, all team members should exercise their responsibility to monitor the process. It can’t only be the job of the facilitator, team leader or co-leader! Engaged and responsible team members should flag when the team is off track and help it get back on track.
The plus delta activity is a simple, quick and powerful means of increasing kaizen team effectiveness. What do you think of this tool? How do you facilitate team effectiveness during your kaizen events?
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#1 by Jerry Foster on January 9th, 2010
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I have used the “Plus/Delta” approach/tool on many occasions. It is as Mark describes, an effective tool to insure everyone contributes and stays engaged. I feel tools like this or points in the process that cause reflection contribute as Mark states, but also remove the excuse at the end of the event that “My opinion didn’t get heard. Or, I was not allowed the opportunity for proper feedback.” etc.
Another point that was made, but bears elaboration, is that it forces discipline in the event process. I always make a habit of ending the day, as well as, begin the day with a bit of reflection and thoughts on next steps. I like to plant seeds relative to what has been done and what will be expected next.
This process step also allows the facilitator to listen and get a grasp on any items that may have been discussed out of “ear shot” in any subgroups and allow the entire group to understand.
#2 by Andy Bonczkowski on January 14th, 2010
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This plus/delta sounds like an excellent tool to help with some of the problems I’ve been having in some recent kaizen events. I am fairly new to facilitating and have been struggling to ensure everyone leaves the event feeling like their ideas were heard. I am definatly going to start using this tool. Thanks,
#3 by markrhamel on January 14th, 2010
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Great to hear, Andy! Good luck. Feel free to email if you have any questions.
#4 by Ron Pereira on January 18th, 2010
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I love plus and deltas… use them all the time. The one thing I stress is that a delta is not a complaint… “the room is cold” is a complaint while “please make room warmer” is a good delta. This subtle difference seems to set the right mind set.
#5 by markrhamel on January 18th, 2010
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Ron,
Excellent point! Why take a complaint, assess the root cause and THEN generate a countermeasure, when you can formulate and articulate the delta (change) immediately? That is the right mind set.
Thanks,
Mark
#6 by Luke Hohmann on March 26th, 2011
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One of the challenges Plus / Delta is that distributed teams can’t play it. Here is a version they can play!
Here is another image of the Plus/Delta Game. But this one is special – clicking on this image, will start an “instant play” game at http://www.innovationgames.com. In this game, there will be two icons that you can drag on your online Plus/Delta Chart:
Pluses: Use these to capture positives.
Deltas: Use to capture what you’d like to change.
We’ve organized this game into three regions: High Impact, Medium Impact, and Low Impact. As you’re placing these items, use these regions to help you keep track of the most important ideas.
Keep in mind that that this is a collaborative game. This means that you can invite other players to play. And when they drag something around – you’ll see it in real time!
Luke Hohmann recently posted..Innovation Games Exchange – Problem Solving Game