The success of a work group is largely entrusted to internal communication: to achieve the expected result, the tasks and the passage of information must be clear.

When communication is clear and simple, people can work with serenity. Warning signs are questions such as: Where is the data? Who should contact the customer? Who should I give this report to? They are the cause and at the same time evidence of reworking, holes, repetitions of activities, waste of time, … In the long run, inevitably, stress, demotivation and also the risk of customer dissatisfaction arise.

Graphic language: to tell how the group works

How to promote a fluid transmission of information at the basis of team play? To clearly delineate relationships, the most powerful tool is the cross-functional flowchart. Although the diction may imply something difficult, in fact it is very practical and simple. The basic layout is reminiscent of a swimming pool divided into lanes. Graphic language is used: rectangle, arrow and rhombus. The scheme is presented in columns. Each column is dedicated to a person and reports her activities. This brings us to the strength of this tool: when the arrow goes from one column to another, it outlines and highlights the passage of information and therefore relationships! This tool becomes a very valuable aid for teamwork, as each person "sees":

• the composition of the group,
• what to do,
• with whom to enter into a relationship.

ZoomUp Method: to map the passage of information

Reading a cross-functional flowchart, if well set up, is simple. Not so easy is to draw it! The reason does not lie in the graphic language: just learn its lexicon and its syntax! The difficulty arises from… not having clear ideas about the passage of information!

In light of these considerations, I created the ZoomUP Method, which has been experimented for about thirty years in companies of all sectors and sizes. Accompany the people in the group to focus ever closer on what is important to map.

The protagonist of the story of the process is the team. The first step is reserved for training, dedicated to the managerial aspects of the process and to familiarize yourself with the graphic language. Then the team proceeds step by step with the analysis of the process, tightening the focus more and more. The tools used for this path are:

• the Process Sheet: in-depth analysis of the raison d'être of the process,
• the Activities Matrix: description of the contributions of the people involved,
• the Interfunctional Flow Diagram: process mapping.

At this point you can write the procedure by drawing on the tools drawn up.
The method is described in the book "Internal Communication and Process - Franco Angeli, 2020"

 

Advantages of ZoomUp method: enhancing the contribution of each person within the group

In all organizations, the most significant work groups are those made up of people from different areas: they must be guided to enhance the differences in skills, methods and language. With ZoomUp, each person has the opportunity to share their wealth of skills and experience in order to achieve the shared goal.

ZoomUp's results are concrete and effective. The advantages are on two levels:

• the person:
  • becomes aware of their contribution to the success of the group,
  • sa da chi è costituito il gruppo
• the top of the organization:
  • from the cross-reading of the mappings, you know how people work,
  • può fare una stima su base documentate del carico di lavoro individuale

The ZoomUp Method has been applied in public and private organizations of all sizes.