Management Tools For Leaders: The FADE Cycle

Tool #4 - The FADE Cycle

This week, let’s focus on a simple methodology for problem/process review and improvement - The FADE Cycle.

Summary:

FADE is a quality performance model and a simple methodology for business improvement. I use it often with clients to help them grow their business or initiate a major change in their career.

​Benefits:

In many instances, quick, off-the-cuff 'executive' decisions are made to solve endemic problems (upper management is notorious for doing this — they know better than you). The Fade Cycle is a powerful tool to help you stand back, analyze the issues with data, develop a solid solution, and execute with confidence.

History:

The FADE model was developed by Duke University, analyzing the acronym into four steps — Focus, Analyze, Develop, and Execute. A part of QI (quality improvement) and Six Sigma, the FADE Cycle is used by many prominent organizations globally.

Applications:

The best way to perform the FADE Cycle is to have critical constituents in the room to assist in providing insight/data and developing the analysis. The problem might be as simple as a dysfunctional program that requires a deeper fix to create a new product line. The FADE Cycle is set in four stages:


FOCUS STAGE

Exploration starts with a belief or suspicion that there is a hidden problem or an opportunity for improvement.

1. Generate a list of problems (issues) — brainstorm with your team as many contributing areas you infer to be the dysfunction.

2. Select (vote) one problem — this is critical - building consensus and agreement at this point will guide you forward.

3. Verify and define the problem — check that this is the real issue, confirm, and clearly define what the issue is.​

ANALYZE STAGE

Gather and analyze information, recognize the root cause, and establish solutions.

1. Decide what you need to know — go through the team and collect as many questions you’ll need to answer with data and info. 

2. Collect data/baselines/patterns — this will help you when assembling organizational commitment - use facts and data to convince them.

3. Determine influential patterns — a critical step - this is where things start coming together.

DEVELOP STAGE

From the gathered data, develop techniques for advancement, including enactment, communication, and observing.

1. Generate promising solutions — Bring everyone together and brainstorm possible solutions based on the Analyze stage.

2. Select the solution — Multi-vote with the team and decide on one plan of attack.

3. Develop an implementation plan — Don’t let the team out of the room before you assign roles, responsibilities, and deadlines.

​​EXECUTE STAGE

Implement the developed plans on a pilot basis, and install a process control program that is in use for success.

1. Gain commitment — ensure you have organizational commitment, signoff, budget, and backing (this is critical for success).

2. Execute plan — Now run with the ball, keep an eye on all resources and deliverables, and keep a tight Gantt chart plan.

3. Monitor and measure impact — Once launched, measure the effect and make subtle adjustments along the way.


The four steps of FADE should be part of a continual review and improvement process for any organization. Check it out!