The following aspects will need to be addressed in this stage of implementing Team Stripes and the following information and resources will support.
Improvement coaching commences here to prepare the team for autonomy in future safety improvement activities. Skilled improvement coaching will keep teams focused and motivated to meet their aims.
The improvement coach requires skills in communication and facilitation as well as Improvement Science (IS) methodology and how to apply it practically. They have usually undertaken an IS project themselves and have undergone further training in the area. See the CEC Academy webpage for webinars and tools to assist with the upskilling of teams and coaches. The best way to become skilled at being an improvement coach is to practically apply the skills early and often.
For the improvement coach, the curiosity developed during Discovery will continue through the evolution of the Stripes. The GROW model can be revisited to help structure coaching conversations but there are many other models available.
The idea is to enable those being coached to arrive at their own insights which will build trust and help those being coached to identify their strengths and consider alternate possibilities. Ultimately the point-of-care team will lead their own safety improvement efforts with the gentle support of the improvement coach.
When resistance arises the skills of the improvement coach will help the team to identify the obstructions and barriers. It is sometimes necessary to have difficult conversations to resolve conflicts and restore team function. Improvement coaching will help to set the conditions for continuous learning and safety improvement.
This stripe brings the attention of the team to the Safety Fundamentals which is a good place to start their safety culture improvement work. The foundation of all the Safety Fundamentals is to enhance teamwork and communication. For teams who are already using the Safety Fundamentals, this is the opportunity to commence evaluation.
