Try Out Performance
The Third Step of the Job Instruction Process is to have the learner, “Try Out Performance”
Job Instruction Training Part 3
This is the third post in a four-post series on Job Instruction Training. Recall, the method has four main steps:
Try Out Performance
Follow-Up
In Part One, we talked about the first step of the process, “Prepare the Worker.” We discussed the nuances of preparation, putting the trainee (and the trainer!) at ease and finding that magical “teachable moment.” In Part 2, we focused on the second step, “Demonstrate the Job,” which starts with having documented Standard Work or Job Breakdowns and a skilled instructor who both knows the job, and is certified to train, This step begins the initial knowledge transfer to the worker. In Part 3, we will discuss the process of having the learner “Try Out Performance,” where the learner has the opportunity to attempt the job tasks and demonstrate what they have learned while still under the watchful eye of the instructor.
Overview of Step 3 “Try Out Performance”
The process of having the learner try out performance should follow directly after Step 2, “Demonstrate the Job”. The instructor should have a copy of the Standard Work or Job Instruction Breakdown, and should ensure that the learner has the appropriate safety equipment, tools and is positioned correctly to perform the work. Once ready, the instructor and learner will follow the following four step process:
Have the worker do the job (SILENTLY) and correct errors immediately
Have the worker explain the Major Steps (Work Elements) while doing the job again (What)
Have the worker explain the Key Points while the job is done again (How)
Make sure the worker understands the Reasons for the Key Points as the job is done again (Why)
First Time Through: Have the Worker do the Job (SILENTLY) and Correct Errors Immediately
The first time the learner tries out performance, the both the instructor and worker should not talk. As the worker tries out performance, it is imperative to remove distractions and stop all unrelated discussion.
When the worker is ready, have them perform the job. The instructor should watch carefully and immediately stop the process when they see any errors. Calmly and concisely explain the error and demonstrate the correct method. Restart, and continue until the worker has gone through the job one time.
Second Time Through: Have the Worker Explain the Major Steps (What) While Doing the Job Again
The second time, have the worker try out the job. At each major step, the worker should tell the instructor “What” they are doing. No other discussion should take place. For minor errors, make gentle corrections “on the fly” as needed.
For major errors, such as those things that could jeopardize worker safety, or put quality or equipment/ tooling/ property at risk, it may be necessary to stop the try out and make immediate corrections. Restart the second try out, and have the worker explain what they are doing with each major step. If the worker is still making significant errors, it may be necessary to stop the try out and repeat Step 2, “Demonstrate the Job”.
Third Time Through: Have the Worker Explain the Key Points (How) While the Job is Being Performed Again
The third time through, the worker should perform the job, and as they do each major step they should explain “How” they are doing the job. Remember, Key Points are those things that ensure the safety of the worker, “make or break the job”, or make the job easier. Again, minimize all discussion and limit corrections to things that the worker has missed. The goal is to ensure the worker learns the job correctly to minimize habits that could cause problems down the road.
Fourth Time Through: Have the Worker Explain the Reasons (Why) for the Key Points While the Job is Being Performed One Last Time
The last time through, the worker should perform the job, and as they perform each major step they should explain why they are doing the job using the technique described by the Key Points. Limit discussion and corrections only to the things the worker has missed.
How Many Times Does the Worker Perform the Job?
This has been a point of discussion and debate for some time. If you read the historic Job Instruction manual from 1944 carefully, you will not find a reference to how many times the job should be performed. Reading the reference card for training indicates that the worker needs to perform the job until they can perform the job correctly, explaining the Major Steps, Key Points and Reasons accurately.
The method I described above has the worker performing the job four or more times. This is the method of Job Instruction that I learned many years ago from a former Toyota employee and have taught others for since.
If your goal is to ensure that learners learn and remember how to do the job safely and correctly, why not take a little extra time up front to coach them as they perform the operation under the watchful eye of the instructor?
What Comes Next?
After “Try Out Performance” the next step will be to provide a “go-to person” or “buddy” while they continue working to standard on their own. We will follow-up with the worker and taper-off coaching and support as they continue working. We will cover the fourth step of the process in the next blog post in this series. And remember:
“If the Learner Hasn’t Learned… the Teacher Hasn’t Taught.”
©2020 Dawn Armfield, ValueFlo Consulting LLC
