When the change becomes part of the official procedure, everyone is aware of it and can benefit from it. They also initiate and carry out projects to improve productivity and quality. The Star organization for a SDWT helps assure performance of critical tasks, and avoids saddling the team leader with all the work. At the Mountaintop plant, six or more SDWTs of 6-12 employees report to a manufacturing leader. The manufacturing leaders report to the manufacturing manager, who reports to the plant manager.
Teams start and carry out projects to improve productivity and quality.
At Mountaintop, each team has a bulletin board that shows team projects, training, and other team activities. Each team selects its own leader, who coordinates team activities like quality improvement projects. Unlike a foreman, the leader does not have formal authority. He or she is like the leader of a small professional, civic, or volunteer organization. The leader usually contacts engineers and other technical support people for help.