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Your boss is angry! He was just called out in a meeting that the overall defect rate for the processes for which you are accountable increased from 1.2% to 1.5%. ""This is terrible!"" he says. He demands that you immediately ""do something!"" to your process to fix your problem.

What should you do? Why? What important considerations should drive your actions here?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

When the defect rate for your process increases, it is important to take proactive and immediate action to address the issue. Start by diagnosing the problem, being open to feedback, and applying problem-solving strategies. Create and communicate a clear plan of action to reduce the defect rate and ensure that you are meeting your manager's expectations.

Step-by-step explanation:

When faced with an increase in the defect rate for a process you are accountable for, from 1.2% to 1.5%, it is essential to take immediate and proactive action. Acknowledging your responsibility in this scenario is crucial as you are accountable for attaining the outcomes your manager expects. The key considerations in this situation involve problem-solving strategies, looking at the work process in detail, and establishing corrective measures.

Be proactive about the situation: rather than waiting for additional instructions, start by diagnosing the problems that led to the increased defect rate. This could involve reviewing the process flow, identifying bottlenecks or areas where errors are occurring, and consulting with the team members involved in those stages of production.

Receiving feedback is also crucial. Being open to it enables you to understand the specific areas that need improvement. Apply problem-solving strategies to address feedback constructively, and ensure continuous improvement.

Take action by revising your workflow if necessary. Determine whether the defects require a major overhaul of the process or if minor tweaks are sufficient. Create a plan with clear steps and objectives to reduce the defect rate and improve the quality of the output. Finally, communicate your action plan to your boss to demonstrate your commitment to resolving the issue and improving performance.

User Alex Harvey
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