Work-Outs Save Time and Money

In November, U.S. Transportation Command introduced a new methodology for solving problems or challenges called “Work-Out,” which was created at General Electric to solve different issues facing the organization that creates a culture where everyone plays a part, their ideas count and leaders lead and support the process versus controlling the process.  

Work-Out teams consist of a senior leader advocate, process/program champion (s) and a facilitator that meet to identify issues, define solutions, develop action plans and discuss implementation during one session. 

TRANSCOM recently conducted a five hour Work-Out session and discussed problems throughout the command narrowing their focus on four issues in which they defined solutions, developed action plans and discussed the implementation. 

One significant issue addressed by the team was the TMT process for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States tasks received from Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff was addressed.   

A Group appointed team lead then facilitated the solution implementation with support from the Senior Leader Advocate and Champion.   Cross-command team members were spending approximately 113 hours on this one type of task, while the new process will give back over 89 hours a week, at a savings of over $195K throughout the year. 

The facilitating team, also known as Command Change Management, develops metrics and analysis around the solutions so efficiencies are measured and documented.  With the new standard operating procedures in place TRANSCOM will only receive and process tasks they oversee. 

Maj. Gen. Gregory Couch, TRANSCOM chief of staff was the first Work-Out Senior Leader Advocate and complimented the team during the out-brief while assuring his support, “The ultimate goal was to look at our TMT system and business processes for improvement and preparation for transition to a near paperless process,” Couch said. 

The team identified four issues to solve that would positively impact Couch’s vision, while he provided guidance to the team before the session and the team reported out their findings and recommendations the next day.   

Pete Wiederholt, TRANSCOM joint secretariat chief was one of the lead champions for this Work-Out, he was cautious in the beginning but afterwards stated, “I saw the teamwork and creativity going into the solutions along with the desire to see the solutions through implementation and I was sold.”  Wiederholt continued, “This process resolved several issues and set the stage for our future transition to a near paperless process using TMT.”

Does your directorate or section have a problem or challenge that you would like to address, the Work-Out methodology is something to consider.  Contact Michele Hayes-Martinez, Change Management at 220-4897 or Michele.hayes-Martinez.ctr@ustranscom.mil to facilitate your team.