2 Thoughts - Debriefs & Cross-Training

#1: Cross-Training

When things break down, who picks up the slack?

I was at Walmart this week and couldn't find a single cart inside.  I walked back out in the blazing heat to get one, and when I walked back into the store, I saw 5 team members standing around within view.  I asked them who was getting the carts refilled.  They said "The cart people all called out today.  We don't have anyone to do it."

I walked on, but in my head thought, "Why isn't anyone in this behemoth organization empowering the team to go solve the problem instead of standing around?" 

The only way to empower your team is to train them.  Preferably consistently, before a situation occurs, but if that's not possible, then immediately after the situation occurs.  In military terms we call this a debrief, and it's critical for reviewing how to improve after an event.

#2: One Question to Ask Your Team

What important thing do you do that we should cross-train someone else on to keep the organization moving smoothly?