Tool #4 - The FADE Cycle
This week, let’s focus on a simple methodology for problem/process review and improvement - The FADE Cycle.
Summary:
FADE is a quality performance model and a simple methodology for business improvement. I use it often with clients to help them grow their business or initiate a major change in their career.
Benefits:
In many instances, quick, off-the-cuff 'executive' decisions are made to solve endemic problems (upper management is notorious for doing this — they know better than you). The Fade Cycle is a powerful tool to help you stand back, analyze the issues with data, develop a solid solution, and execute with confidence.
History:
The FADE model was developed by Duke University, analyzing the acronym into four steps — Focus, Analyze, Develop, and Execute. A part of QI (quality improvement) and Six Sigma, the FADE Cycle is used by many prominent organizations globally.
Applications:
The best way to perform the FADE Cycle is to have critical constituents in the room to assist in providing insight/data and developing the analysis. The problem might be as simple as a dysfunctional program that requires a deeper fix to create a new product line. The FADE Cycle is set in four stages:
FOCUS STAGE
Exploration starts with a belief or suspicion that there is a hidden problem or an opportunity for improvement.
1. Generate a list of problems (issues) — brainstorm with your team as many contributing areas you infer to be the dysfunction.
2. Select (vote) one problem — this is critical - building consensus and agreement at this point will guide you forward.
3. Verify and define the problem — check that this is the real issue, confirm, and clearly define what the issue is.
ANALYZE STAGE
Gather and analyze information, recognize the root cause, and establish solutions.
1. Decide what you need to know — go through the team and collect as many questions you’ll need to answer with data and info.
2. Collect data/baselines/patterns — this will help you when assembling organizational commitment - use facts and data to convince them.
3. Determine influential patterns — a critical step - this is where things start coming together.
DEVELOP STAGE
From the gathered data, develop techniques for advancement, including enactment, communication, and observing.
1. Generate promising solutions — Bring everyone together and brainstorm possible solutions based on the Analyze stage.
2. Select the solution — Multi-vote with the team and decide on one plan of attack.
3. Develop an implementation plan — Don’t let the team out of the room before you assign roles, responsibilities, and deadlines.
EXECUTE STAGE
Implement the developed plans on a pilot basis, and install a process control program that is in use for success.
1. Gain commitment — ensure you have organizational commitment, signoff, budget, and backing (this is critical for success).
2. Execute plan — Now run with the ball, keep an eye on all resources and deliverables, and keep a tight Gantt chart plan.
3. Monitor and measure impact — Once launched, measure the effect and make subtle adjustments along the way.
The four steps of FADE should be part of a continual review and improvement process for any organization. Check it out!