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Original Date: 01/26/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2003
Information : Building High Performance Teams Through Experiential Education
High performance organizational training was adopted at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) to provide managers and employees with a methodology to diagnose the organization, determine what needs attention, and to use the appropriate levers to improve those areas requiring assistance. The methodology provides organizations transformational assistance. With the assistance of high performance training, CCAD is able to review its present method of conducting business and bridge the gaps that exist between current operations and what they ascertain is high performance.
Enhancing this high performance organizational training is a program called Honesty, Ethics, Accountability, Respect, Trust & Support (HEARTS) which are the program’s fundamental principles. In January 1994, the decision to adopt this new approach to team enhancement was made by the commanding officer at the Depot. The HEARTS program is designed to lead the Depot’s labor and management away from a confrontational relationship toward a cooperative arrangement.
The HEARTS system presents employees with a series of mental and physical challenges that alter the way they work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and reach goals (Figure 3-2). The Depot has completed the first of three phases of the program (HEARTS 1). In this phase, participants climb a 35-foot pole to stand on an 18-inch disk and traverse suspended wires to challenge their comfort zones. The experience helps strengthen the bonds between team members and relieves the friction that has existed over the years. Confidence and self-esteem are further bolstered as members conquer unknown fears and personal inhibitions. HEARTS 2 has been designed to aid in promoting team building, synergism, and improved communications. CCAD began this phase in January 1996. As of 1998, 600 of the approximately 2,700 Depot employees have been through the training. HEARTS 3 ties all prior learning together with the principles of continuous improvement. The Depot has deemed the HEARTS program a total success.
Figure 3-2. HEARTS Summary
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