The document discusses using the Dimension-Time-Cost (DTC) Operator, a tool from TRIZ (the theory of inventive problem solving), to help teams see problems differently and generate innovative solutions. It provides an overview of the DTC Operator technique, which involves exploring how varying the dimensions, time, or cost of a system to extremes could impact the problem. The document includes an example of using the DTC Operator to address a problem of pencil leads breaking intermittently. It also discusses applying the technique to help a team of executives address issues related to leadership training and development within their company.
4. Finding what is wrong is not improvement of the
process. If there were a fire here in this building
and somehow we put it out that is not
improvement, that is putting out fires.
…that is a path toward destruction because they
are not studying the system, they are managing
outcomes, managing defects instead of looking at
the system that produced the defects.
Dr. Deming
http://blog.deming.org/2014/05/deming-library-video-with-dr-deming-discussing-the-14-points/
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
5. What’s in it for me?
DTC Operator is one of my favorites for working with
teams that feel stuck or just cannot move out of their
own way to explore the system and problem from a
different perspective. It allows people to work in
extremes and through those extremes they see
possibilities that felt silly or just wrong before.
Outcomes from Seeing Problems Differently
Results in Different Solutions
Understanding and various uses of DTC Operator.
Use of DTC Operator to find inventive solutions to
challenges.
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
6. DTC (Dimensions; Time; Cost) Operator
Process tool for Innovation
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
8. Dimension Time Cost Operator (DTC) –
A TRIZ tool for seeing problems differently.
Exploring ideas of extremes in size, time and cost.
The DTC Operator can work to release
Psychological Inertia
AKA Mental / Organizational Stuckness
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
9. PSYCHOLOGICAL INERTIA.
The psychological meaning of the word
"inertia" implies an indisposition to
change – a certain "stuckness" due to
human programming. It represents the
inevitability of behaving in a certain way
– the way that has been indelibly
inscribed somewhere in the brain. It
also represents the impossibility – as
long as a person is guided by his habits
– of ever behaving in a better way.
– Kowalick
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
10. The DTC Operator Algorithm
Define the problem: Name the
system or the part of the system of
interest.
Consider ideas created by DTC
extremes:
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
11. Dimensions:
If dimensions were
extremely large what
would success look like,
how would that happen, in
what way could that
system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If dimensions were
extremely small (almost
gone) what would success
look like, how would that
happen, in what ways
could that system be
developed?
List ideas/solutions:
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
12. Time:
If time were extremely long what would success look like, how
would that happen, in what ways could that system be
developed? (i.e. Days, Years, Decades instead of seconds or
minutes) OR If speed were extremely slow what would success
look like, how would that happen, in what ways could that
system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If time were extremely small what would success look like, how
would that happen, in what ways could that system be
developed? (i.e. nanoseconds instead of seconds) OR If speed
were extremely fast what would success look like, how would
that happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
13. Cost:
(Not just in terms of dollars but costs in terms of downsides, harmful effects, etc…)
If there was no limit on cost how could the problem be solved, in what
ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If costs were extremely limited what would success look like, how would
that happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions: Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
14. The DTC Operator Algorithm
Define the problem: Name the
system or the part of the system of
interest.
Consider ideas created by DTC
extremes:
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
16. Example: Pencil Lead Break Intermittently
Dimensions: If dimensions were extremely big, how could the problem be
solved?
List ideas/solutions: If the pencil lead were really wide the lead would be strong
and would not break? Use a very wide blunt pencil.
If dimensions were extremely small (almost gone) how could the problem be
solved?
List ideas/solutions: If the pencil lead were really short then the lead would be
strong and would not break. Create a pencil with very short lead that continuously
supplies lead. Propel lead from the pencil. Make the pencil recede at the same
rate as the lead erodes.
Time: If time were extremely long, how could the problem be solved? Or if speed
were extremely slow, how could the problem be solved?
List ideas/solutions: If time were extremely long, the lead could be protected
with a cover tube for each stroke to limit stress..
If time were extremely small how could the problem be solved? Or if speed were
extremely fast, how could the problem be solved?
List ideas/solutions: If time were very short, a replacement pencil would appear
as soon as breakage occurs.Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
17. Example: Pencil Lead Break Intermittently
Cost: If cost were extremely large, how could the problem be solved?
List ideas/solutions: If costs were unlimited, then many sharpened pencils
would be available. Use a propelling pencil (multiple sharpened points inside).
If costs were extremely small, how could the problem be solved?
List ideas/solutions: A very short pencil lead would not break, but it would not
last long due to use.
___________________________________________________
KEY IDEAS ARE: A propelling pencil – with protective, retractable tubes (around
the lead).
Trizics. Cameron
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
18. HD&L Example:
Working with a team of 5 Executive
Directors from a company that
employs ~2000 people. We identified a
gap in the Managerial-Leadership
selection, development, mentoring &
coaching of employees prior to being
promoted to a management level
within the company.
www.asqhdandl.org
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
19. This gap was identified leading to the following
concerns;
High turnover rates amongst front-line employees,
the direct subordinates of the FL managers – ~28%
which was higher than average for this company.
Increased customer complaints about service and
interactions.
On-Time completion of work decreased by 20% in 3
years.
Overtime increased by 30% in 3 years.
Stress, Illness leading to increased number of sick
days and health problems for Mangers and front-line
staff.
General Managers, the direct managers of the FL
Manager, NOT achieving their work on time and in
quality expectations.
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
20. Problem: Institute a Managerial-Leadership Training
Process for all FL Managers that will provide each individual
involved with the requisite Skilled Knowledge to manage
staff and add value to the Organization and their
subordinates.
Make this training process a requirement prior to promotion
to FL Manager.
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
21. Dimensions:
If dimensions were extremely large what would success look like, how would that happen,
in what way could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If the system was really large, meaning tens of thousands of people were going through
this Manager Training Process at once we would need a tracking and feedback system to
show when and where each manager is in the process.
Can we create an independent participant self-lead program, possibly using our internal
intra-net. That includes on-line learning, meetings with direct Managers and feedback
plus evaluations from direct subordinates and direct managers?
If dimensions were extremely small what would success look like, how would that
happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If the system was really small, meaning 1 person going through this Manager Training
process that person would have a great deal of pressure on them and because of all the
focused attention would be able to make a large impact in the company.
Can we develop or use the Directors immediate Manager and their Manager once
removed to work with this person and keep their focus on their existing work and
involvement in this process? Meaning that each person involved feels and knows that
they are treated as an individual and we are working to move them to their Leadership
Potential.
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
22. Time:
If time were extremely long what would success look like, how would that happen, in what
ways could that system be developed? OR If speed were extremely slow what would
success look like, how would that happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If time was extremely long the FL Managers in the Process would have more than
adequate time to learn and master the concepts. Additionally the Managers evaluating
the FL Managers performance would be able to more accurately place the FL Managers
with teams, tasks and individuals who could benefit most.
Can we create a long term research project from this? Determining what works…The
team already has performance evaluation data from the past, what could the data from
the past about the FL Managers tell the Managers about the effectiveness of these FL
Managers?
If time were extremely small what would success look like, how would that happen, in
what ways could that system be developed? OR If speed were extremely fast what would
success look like, how would that happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If the speed of the Process was fast the FL Managers would have to find ways to stay
motivated and show rapid comprehension and application of the content. Can we find
short term tasks ‘small wins’ that can happen in a time-frame of 1 day or shorter? These
‘small wins’ would keep motivation high, and learning application flexible because the fast
nature would allow for success and quick fixes to mistakes.Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
23. Cost:
If costs (not just in terms of dollars but costs in terms of downsides, harmful effects,
etc…) were extremely abundant what would success look like, how would that happen, in
what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If there was no limit to cost – we could increase this to develop Managerial Leadership
Training & succession planning for the entire company. Plus, have people onsite
continuously to develop curriculum, mentor, coach, train and work in real-time with all of
our staff.
Can we hire a full time person to do this? If we can really impact the things listed in our
Gap Analysis earlier, that would more that make up for a full time on-site Training &
Development Position.
If costs were extremely limited what would success look like, how would that happen, in
what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If cost is limited to almost zero, use the people and resources we already have.
Over the past several years we have sent many of our Managers, Directors, Front-Line
staff to trainings and Executive Coaches. Have we ever gathered their stories, resources
and what was most effective from them?
Could we gather small focus groups of Managers, Directors, and front-line staff to take on
their own initiatives for Director Training and Improvement?
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
26. From the discussion & interaction
develop a ‘Solutions Matrix’
Solution
Idea(s)
generated
Doable.
1-10.
10=Very
1=Little
Impactful.
1-10
10=Very
1=Little
Helpful.
1-10
10=Very
1=Little
Potential
Barriers
Potential
Successes
Dimensions
Time
Cost
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com
27. Uses & Questions
Coaching & Development
Thinking tool
As a team
As individuals
1 to all Meeting individually complete
DTC Operator. At meeting share ind.
responses
2 Project Teams a) Control current
problem b) Develop solutions
Michael Cardus - www.Create-Learning.com