Interval training with Employees for Top Speed results

This month’s theme, Setting the Pace, should have started you on an employee production craze.  By now, you should have already figured out the team’s Average Rate* and the team’s Top Speed*; by now, you should have already Set the Pace*.  If you haven’t done so already make sure you start by setting some time aside before the week is over for some interval training specifically formulated to help you Set the Pace.  Interval training is important because it allows the team to see the difference between average performers and top producers.  It supercharges your department by boosting energy levels in order to meet new goals and expectations.  Here’s what you can do to begin interval training with your team in order to Set the Pace:

1. Go Slow – measure the team’s Average Rate production in a 2 hour time span before lunch.  *Pick a time when the team is operating at general speed in ordinary circumstances.  Try not to disrupt production or make a big deal of it.
2. Run Fast–measure the team’s Top Speed production in a 1 hour time span before lunch.  Challenge them to give it their all and to surpass their Average Rate performance.
   LUNCH 
3. Go Slow –again, measure the team’s Average Rate production in a 2 hour time span after lunch.  *Pick a time when the team is operating at general speed in ordinary circumstances.  Try not to disrupt production or make it a big deal of it.
4. Run Fast–again, measure Top Speed production in a 1 hour time span after lunch. Challenge the team to beat their first Top Speed performance.  
5. Set the Pace –Share the overall results with you team.  Let them see the difference between an average performer and a top producer and pick a production pace between the Average Rate and the Top Speed Rate that everyone can agree on and Set the Pace.  Be clear on the expectation and on the rewards that lie ahead for your team.

*Average Rate    This number expresses the general performance pace according to how much is produced within a certain timeframe. 

To find your Average Rate, measure the progress your team makes on a daily basis.  Take a close look at what is produced in 2 hours and write down what you believe is the team’s Average Rate.

*Top Speed         This number reflects the performance pace employees are able to work comfortably and safely at when momentum is gained and employees push themselves to perform faster than you usual to produce. 

*Set Pace                              This number is a benchmark that sits lower than the Top Speed (so that employees are comfortable and relaxed enough to perform and produce without jeopardizing quality and expected standards) but higher than the Average Rate so that employees remain challenged and focused on production. 

Example: a sales representative whose  top speed may entail making 20 phone calls a day (around 2 an hour, 4 every two hours)  even though his/her average rate is only about 16 calls a day may have a set pace of  18 calls a day, a number set in-between the average rate and the top speed.  

Take Action:    Interval Train

Keep On: 

Encourage employees to start at the finish line
Setting the Pace.  Establish a speed and standard for production

talking:  Communicate at all times; your job is to remind your team what they are working t

looking back at what you’ve done; evaluate your progress.

being Proactive rather than reactive

communicate the vision, state direction, involve and challenge the team to go for it!   

acting out and aligning your values with your company values and those of your employees.   Walk the talk.

delivering the VIP Treatment

being the Expert Extraordinaire

giving and continue to establish a good reputation

copycatting the Successful SUPERvisors of your past

telling yourself that you’re a Super SUPERvisor!

believing.  Remember, you’ve made the conscious decision to lead