The PICK chart, originally developed by Lockheed Martin, serves as an effective tool for organising and categorising improvement ideas within an organisation. Over time, it has evolved into a standard Lean Six Sigma instrument aimed at enhancing performance and profitability. A critical aspect that often influences the health of teams and the overall organisation is how suggestions are managed.
In some instances, ideas may be submitted directly to a team leader who has the authority to endorse or dismiss them at will. Conversely, a more collaborative approach involves bringing ideas to the table for discussion and evaluating them using consistent metrics. The PICK chart offers a structured method for assessing ideas based on two key factors: ease of implementation and potential payoff. By focusing on these criteria, the PICK chart helps identify and eliminate less viable ideas, thereby reducing waste.
Understanding the PICK Acronym
The term “PICK” is an acronym that represents four categories of ideas based on their feasibility and potential benefits:
- P – Possible: Ideas that are easy to execute but yield low payoffs.
- I – Implement: Ideas that are both easy to execute and offer high payoffs.
- C – Challenge: Ideas that are difficult to implement yet promise high payoffs.
- K – Kill: Ideas that are hard to execute and provide low payoffs.
This categorisation enables teams to visualise where each idea stands in relation to these two dimensions, facilitating informed decision-making.
Practical Steps for Using the PICK Chart
The PICK chart functions essentially as a 2×2 grid, where individual ideas can be discussed and placed according to their assessed ease and payoff. The following steps outline how to implement the PICK chart effectively:
Step 1: Draw the Chart
In a suitable meeting room, draw the PICK chart on a whiteboard. Clearly highlight the axes representing ease and payoff to ensure everyone understands what each quadrant signifies. It is advisable not to label the quadrants with the PICK abbreviations initially, as this might discourage open discussion. However, you may choose to label the ‘Implement’ box to emphasise its significance.
Step 2: State the Question
Write the central question that the meeting aims to address above the chart. This serves to keep the team focused and allows for a more efficient analysis of each idea. By connecting each idea back to the question, the team can prioritise discussions on the most significant topics.
Step 3: Gather Ideas
Encourage each team member to write their ideas on sticky notes. Once everyone has contributed, place the sticky notes on the board outside the chart. This approach fosters an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.
Step 4: Debate the Ideas
Select each sticky note in turn and engage in a debate about its merits. If consensus cannot be reached on a particular idea, set it aside for later discussion. It is essential to avoid placing ideas on the line between quadrants, as this can create confusion. Instead, tentatively categorise them within a box and revisit them as needed.
Step 5: Position the Ideas on the Chart
Once the team has discussed each idea, position them in their respective areas on the chart. If the team is sufficiently mature and capable of handling it, consider placing more critical ideas further out on the scale, while less significant ones can be closer to the centre. However, exercise caution with this step; if the team lacks maturity, it may be best to keep all ideas within their respective quadrants without further differentiation.
The Importance of Maturity Modelling
In the context of using the PICK chart, maturity modelling plays a crucial role. Maturity models help organisations assess their current capabilities and identify areas for improvement. By integrating maturity modelling with the PICK chart, businesses can better evaluate their readiness to implement ideas based on their maturity level.
For instance, if a team is still developing its collaborative skills, it may struggle with the debate aspect of the PICK chart. In such cases, a more gradual approach to idea evaluation may be necessary, allowing the team to build its confidence and capability over time. As teams mature, they can handle more complex discussions and make more informed decisions regarding which ideas to pursue.
The Bottom Line
Utilising the PICK chart not only encourages team engagement but also provides timely feedback on the value and potential outcomes of each decision. This structured approach invariably leads to better decision-making. However, prioritising ideas is merely the first step; it is vital to conduct follow-up meetings focused on implementing the decisions reached during the PICK chart exercise.
Incorporating maturity modelling into this process enhances the effectiveness of the PICK chart by ensuring that teams are adequately prepared to engage in meaningful discussions and evaluations. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, organisations can leverage the PICK chart to drive innovation and achieve their strategic goals.
By adopting these practices, businesses can create an environment where creativity flourishes, ultimately leading to improved performance and greater success in their endeavours.