Tool 172: Run-It-By

AKA

Second Opinion

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

The run-it-by tool is used by a team to present ideas or proposals to process owners, experts, or other interested groups for the purpose of obtaining additional data, recommendations, or just second opinions. Selected individuals and groups are encoded on a diagram for expected positive, negative, or neutral feedback that will provide the team with new insights and concerns. Additionally, this tool can assist a team to establish interest and gain support from those who are instrumental in the decision-making process.

Typical application

• To run-it-by critical individuals to obtain first reactions, second opinions, or positions on the proposed idea or action plan.

• To involve affected parties early to minimize resistance to change.

• To uncover potential pitfalls or weaknesses in proposed ideas or action plans.

• To obtain agreement and support from affected individuals or groups.

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

links to other tools

before

• Presentation

• Delphi Method

• Gap Analysis

• Force Field Analysis (FFA)

• House of Quality

after

• Thematic Content Analysis

• Action Plan

• Solution Matrix

• Process Analysis

• Process Mapping

Notes and key points

• Drawn circles are encoded to record who:

  

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team writes a proposed idea or action into a large circle. See example Convert Assembly Line "C" to Work Cells.

• STEP 2 The team brainstorms affected process owners, users, supporting groups, and other interested parties. Circles are drawn around the center circle and identified parties recorded inside the circles.

• STEP 3 Consensus is reached on who may be supportive (+), opposed (-), or neutral (N) to the proposed idea or action. Symbols are placed near the circles as shown in the example.

• STEP 4 The team develops a plan and rationale for contacts to be made.

• STEP 5 The team contacts individuals and groups to present the team's position on the proposed idea or action.

• STEP 6 Feedback is recorded for additional consideration and action.

Example of tool application