VALLEY CROSSING

Valley Crossing is an best example of teamwork.  Teamwork is the ability to work together towards the set targets. The below figure shows the image of Valley Crossing

 Exercise

Structuring Task:

Managers will structure task such that it is executed in easier way. They are solution designers. We, NITIE MBA Students, are pursuing M.B.A to learn solving difficult problems not simpler ones. Many out side are there to solve simpler ones. This Task is structured in such a way that

·         Every one is at equally risky position at all times.

·         Communication and feedback across 3 members are instantaneous

·         Interdependence among 3 members is crucial

·         Distance between two persons are >1 foot step length and <2 foot steps length

·         Maximize Excellence

·         Maximize Profitability

Below figure gives positions of all players at each crossing position. Person in red color may give impression that he is completely unsafe and Person in green color is totally safe. But structuring of task is done in such way that every one are at equal risk. Being human, we mostly tend to think and believe things which are visible to eyes. For suppose, when we ask 3 members to select any position among these 3, he is gonna select middle position as he feel he is at safer side. He is in preconceive notion that first position may be risky as he is leading team and he might fallen first in valley and being in last position is also too risky since his team mates might leave him after they cross valley.

The procedure followed is shown below:

At one point of time, each one of them will be in different situation either Safe, Half Safe and Fully Unsafe. There comes 9 steps which they have to follow to cross the bridge. The steps increase once the number of people crossing the bridge increases.

Lessons Learnt:

1. Communication 

2. Coordination

3. Performance in the roles 

4. Strategy 

5. Motivation

6. Support 

                                                 

In any organization, design of work flow, structuring of work, training executives, team work, communication between executives and feedback across them, interdependence and good motivation to do work are equally important. Even if one factor goes bad, whole damn thing will collapse. Goals and objectives are to be designed by high level managers and this work is delegated to low level managers through middle level managers.  As this work is assigned to low level executives by low level manager, they should be motivated highly and proper competency should be given in prior to them. It is very important to note that in an organization every one is equally responsible for organization's success or failure. We are not suppose to blame teamwork. Indeed we should eliminate loopholes in earlier stages and strive organization towards goals and objectives.

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TCVtgBneFU