Mike, I'm loaned out to a short-term project where we're doing a Management Self-Assessment. I had never heard of such a thing except where management takes a cursory look around to assure themselves they're doing a great job and it usually ends with a letter recommending raises for the top 3 to 5 people. Not so with this one. There apparently is a very systematic method which has been developed by companies and organizations which are of a higher caliber - usually 'best in class' and the method is comprehensive. One element is observing 'evolutions' or more to the point, watching an entire cycle of a process and comparing it to the procedures and policys written to cover the activity in terms of safety, security and efficacy. The first thing we do for every evolution is a pre-brief for two reasons. The first is to ensure that each observer and the participants understand all the safety issues and the entire plan for the process. The second is so the observers don't throw the process out of kilter by their very presence. This whole experience is proving to be a great learning opportunity and allows for a greater understanding of not only what happens but why each step or precaution is integral to the success of the process.
