Pulse checks
We encouraged constant feedback from stakeholders throughout the project using pulse checks, which were comprised of six standard questions that provided insights and allowed us to take action when necessary. After workshops and meetings, we also conducted mini-pulse checks.
The pulse checks were discussed with the product owner on a biweekly basis, and were followed up on at steering committee meetings, as critical issues were either resolved before or during the meetings.
Flow
Half Double has a clear focus on intensity and frequent interaction in project work. FoodService Danmark tailored flow to fit their project through the following methods:
+ 50% allocation and co-location
The core project team was co-located approximately 70% of the time in a common project room at the Catering Engros site in Middelfart. Close proximity to the client and operations drove fast progression as it allowed the team to just “go and see” in order to clarify their questions. In addition, an open-door policy to the project room increased project trust and encouraged co-creation as employees, managers and stakeholders could drop by any time.
Visual planning
In the project room, FoodService Danmark visualised the project’s progress and drafted solutions. This kept stakeholders updated and involved them in the various project stages and in confirming results. The transparency of the solution design facilitated a co-creating process which further increased project trust and made the solutions more robust.
Project pulse and rhythm
From the start, we set up a fixed rhythm for meetings with key stakeholders to keep them active and informed. This also ensured pace and progression in the project. Biweekly meetings on results and next steps were held with key stakeholders in the impact solution design phase. In the pilot phase, this was adjusted to weekly meetings with individual operations managers solving specific issues.
The project owner attended weekly meetings to actively set the course of the project and discuss the progress made based on pulse checks. We also had biweekly steering committee meetings to create active ownership. This allowed us to change the scope of the project when we realised that the biggest potential was found in restructuring the management organisation and changing the working hours of half of the warehouse employees.
Leadership
Half Double Leadership embraces uncertainty by facilitating a collaborative journey towards a common goal. FoodService Danmark tailored leadership to fit their project through the following methods:
Active project ownership
The project owner and the project sponsor were actively involved in the project. This was especially important in the impact solution design phase, where they immediately understood why the project scope had to be changed. The fixed meeting rhythm and frequent communication allowed everyone to align fast and ensured constant progression.
Collaborative project leadership
All key stakeholders were involved throughout the project, designing the solutions and leading the push towards a new warehouse concept. The fixed rhythm of the meetings as well as the project room with an open-door policy made sure that everyone actively took part in realising impact. The real challenge was motivating everyone to participate in the overall change. Involvement and collaboration were the key to gain buy-in for the new processes.
Reflective and adaptive behaviour
Being confronted with a lack of available project resources along the way, we were unable to gather a project core team with 70% allocation. Instead, the project owner got heavily involved in the project himself and prioritised the operation managers’ involvement in project activities.
Project results
We pilot tested the warehouse concept in order to reduce the time to impact, spur motivation among employees and create management buy-in.
FoodService Danmark streamlined and reduced the number of roles in the warehouse by more than 50%, which reduced complexity and enabled faster decision-making. Operations managers held the leadership responsibility for their employees, allowing for closer employee-manager relationships.
To get feedback on employee satisfaction, FoodService Danmark introduced a weekly survey that enabled operations managers to be closer to their employees and take corrective actions when necessary.
This project saved DKK 7 million annually, increased employee satisfaction by 10% and improved warehouse efficiency by 12%.