Sometimes the secrets of success can be found by looking internally for solutions. One of the best ways of benchmarking within your organization is using a process called “Rep In/Rep Out.” It is no secret that organizations often struggle with sharing pockets of excellence with other departments or teams. This is a result of being busier today than ever with no time to take a step back and benchmark across the organization, let alone function.  We get trapped in satisfying the next emergency, opposed to learning from our past and taking advantage of the knowledge within our own company.

Does your organization have department team meetings occurring on a weekly or bi-weekly basis? This is a place to communicate issues as well as discuss current activities.  In a process-based environment, the meetings should be consistently held throughout the organization at all levels. These team meetings can be virtual or in-person.

Using the process of “Rep In/ Rep Out” is a simple way to facilitate internal benchmarking.

Rep In:  Allowing a member of a different team to participate in your weekly team meeting periodically to gain information, as well as gain best practices.

Rep Out:  Sending someone from your organization/ team to attend another functional team meeting.  For example, if you want to know what is happening within Quality, send someone to the Quality meeting so they can report back to your team.

This is the best way to ensure consistency across the organization, as well as starting to break down silos between departments.  After all, meeting rooms are not lined with electrical fence or barbed wire.  Do you have a process to drive knowledge sharing and a way to combat the silo mentality?

If you are also interested in Benchmarking other organizations, we have some exciting opportunities coming up in the near future. Click here to complete the form at the bottom of this page for more information.