Tool 161: Relationship Map

AKA

N/A

Classification

Team Building (TB)

Tool description

The relationship map directs the emphasis on people and their interactions among teams from different functional units. It helps a team visualize the process steps and brainstorm some process-improvement ideas. The map also fosters a common understanding of the overall process.

Typical application

• To show relationship and interactions of teams working together to reach a common goal.

• To map out process steps for the purpose of surfacing proccess-improvement opportunities.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
1	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Organization Mapping

• Sociogram

• Circle response

• Observation

• Circles of Influence

after

• Process Mapping

• Deployment Chart (Down-Across)

• Process Analysis

• Different Point of View

• Potential Problem Analysis (PPA)

Notes and key points

Similar to a process map, a relationship map uses some basic symbols:

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team facilitator reviews, with the participants, the steps for constructing a relationship map.

• STEP 2 Next, all teams or functional units that are involved in the process are listed on a whiteboard. See example Preliminary Analysis: ISO-9000 Implementation.

• STEP 3 Process steps are identified and sequenced in order of completion.

• STEP 4 The relationship map is completed by fully connecting all process activities following the sequence steps as shown in the example.

• STEP 5 Notes are added to fully explain what the relationships are and what is being accomplished.

• STEP 6 Finally, the map is dated and distributed to all interested parties.

Example of tool application