Does anyone have tips or best practices on improving cross-team collaboration and communication during the s&op planning process?
Sort By:
Oldest
Foundera year ago
Good question. I believe any cross-functional team and communication needs to be handled with care, set aside ego and own department's interest, be transparent, give the credit where it's due, avoid politics, keep everyone on the same goals, and be driven by the same purpose, and ultimately serving the same end customers.Chief Operations Officer in Consumer Goodsa year ago
1. Communication Styles: Different cultures have varied communication styles. While some are direct, others may prefer a more roundabout approach.Recommendation: Conduct cultural training sessions for S&OP leaders to make them aware of these differences. This will help in ensuring that messages are not lost in translation and that everyone feels heard and respected.
2. Conflict Resolution: The approach to conflict resolution varies across cultures. What might be seen as assertive in one culture might be perceived as aggressive in another.
Recommendation: Establish a clear conflict resolution protocol that is sensitive to cultural nuances. This might involve having mediators who are well-versed in the cultural contexts of the parties involved.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: The way feedback is given and received can be influenced by cultural norms.
Recommendation: Create multiple channels for feedback to ensure everyone is comfortable. This might include anonymous feedback systems or one-on-one sessions, depending on the cultural context.
4. Discipline and Time Management: Different cultures have varied perceptions of time and discipline.
Recommendation: While it's essential to respect cultural norms, it's also crucial to set clear expectations regarding timelines and adherence to schedules. This can be achieved by setting a global standard but allowing for some flexibility based on regional norms.
5. Coaching and Mentorship: The dynamics of coaching relationships can vary based on cultural norms.
Recommendation: Train coaches to be culturally sensitive and adapt their approach based on the cultural context of the individual they are mentoring.
6. Global Structure with Local Implementation: The S&OP process should have a global framework, but its implementation should be tailored to local contexts.
Recommendation: Create a global S&OP committee that sets the overarching strategy and guidelines. However, allow regional teams to adapt the implementation based on their cultural and operational realities.
7. Continuous Improvement: The S&OP process should be iterative, with regular feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement.
Recommendation: Establish a system to document feedback and track improvements. This can be a digital dashboard that captures key metrics and feedback from different regions, allowing for a holistic view of the S&OP process's effectiveness.