The Matrix of Principles is a reflection tool to capture how stakeholders understand Deming’s 14 Management Principles.
Reflecting on the management principles enables the team to share their beliefs on management, to share their views on where the organization is, and to identify areas for improvement.
Follow the few steps below
- Take a blank sheet of paper, or use a whiteboard,
- Draw a 2×2 matrix,
- The horizontal axis represents your agreement with the principle. On the right, you agree; on the left, you disagree,
- The vertical axis represents how the principle is applied to your organization. “Applied” at the top, “not applied” at the bottom,
- You will now position Deming’s 14 Management Principles by placing their numbers on a 2×2 matrix. Each team member uses a different color.
- After placing each principle, the facilitator asks the outliers to explain their position.
- The facilitator asks the group if it inspires some ideas for the team.
You can use the tool as a self-reflection one. As a facilitator, it is useful to try the exercise first by yourself to be able to pick the principles that will most resonate with your team.
There is one assignment per chapter in the book Changing Your Team From The Inside. The Matrix of Principles is the assignment from the chapter two.
The practice is available in the Open Practice Library. You can find other great practices in the library and you can even contribute to it!