Your technician is skipping protocols. How do you ensure attention to detail?

According to my experience, failure to comply with protocols can be mainly due to 2 causes. On the one hand, the search for "shortcuts" may be inherent to the collaborator's personality. In this sense, follow-up with feedback and feedfoward, explaining the reasons for the protocol and the consequences corresponding to quality, trying to make it a moment of growth and not a punishment (in the first instance). On the other hand, it may be that the protocol is not clear, and we find out the need to review it. In any case, a follow-up and fluid communication with the employee is essential to detect and correct any situation of non-compliance.

Generally agree with training reinforcement on adherence to protocols, however, sometimes the observance of “cutting corners” is a call to review the protocol and/or practice to make needed changes. It is always true in a GMP manufacturing environment that changes in protocol or practice must be done prospectively with proper change control review and approved documentation revisions. This should also be included as a topic of focus in remedial training to encourage a positive culture of continuous improvement versus the sometimes necessary repeat trainings and/or warnings that can appear regressive and/or punitive.

Ensure attention to detail by conducting regular training refreshers, implementing checklists, supervising closely, providing feedback, and setting clear consequences for skipping protocols.

Training modules where each technician consent understanding the material. Re read with each update. It also gives a space for good delegations and taking accountability

Above all: E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N! Share and explain the aims and the rationales behind the project/process. This will lead to better awareness. After that, short and simple protocols make the work easy to understand and follow. Then training and inspection will complete the picture.

This type of coaching behavior should be part of continuous leadership training programs. Floor supervisors should be trained to be proactive in this regard in order to sense the right timing for this level of active management especially with entry level employees. Certain experience cycles that are critical to employee learning and growth are infrequent windows of opportunity to accomplish hands on field experience. Knowing the right time to lean in and act as a mentor or conversely where to stand back and allow independent efforts to succeed or fail will optimize the employee experience in the position maturity cycle.

Implementing a robust accountability process for your technicians is crucial for maintaining adherence to procedural steps and protocols. This can be achieved by integrating accountability into attainable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and monitoring them through a performance management program. This approach ensures that technicians are consistently meeting standards, reducing errors, and enhancing overall efficiency.

99% Chance people are following protocols. I am not quite sure how the incentive program can be implemented on majority of people.

Ensure attention to detail by using technology such as automated checklists, task management software, real-time monitoring systems, and digital training modules. These tools can help streamline adherence to protocols and quickly identify any deviations.

Identifying the root cause for skilling the protocol is extremely important. This can be an eye opener for the technician and the supervisor. It is important for the technician to understand why a protocol has been designed in a certain way. What is the importance of each Step and so on. For the supervisor it could help him understand the scope of improvement or the reason why a certain portion is being skipped, is the deliberate or is it undoable. Dialogue with respect is important to resolve an situation.

Encourage technicians to voice concerns, provide feedback, and ask questions about protocols. Regularly hold team meetings to discuss procedures and address any issues collaboratively. Trust is key and be sure that the message is loud and clear about good environment.

Skipping protocols is intended or not intended that will impact on your investigation. Open communication is very important to investigate the root cause. Take advantage of one-on-one meeting to understand the performance of the technician. Talk it out and work it out a plan how to ensure attention in details. Try to listen and get feedback from your technician to lay out an improvement plan.