Problem-Solving by Walking Around: A New Approach to Modern Challenges
Decision-making techniques continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
One method that has stood the test of time is the concept of management by walking around (MBWA). Popularized by Tom Peters and Robert H. Waterman Jr. in their 1982 book, ‘In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America’s Best-Run Companies’, MBWA emphasized the importance of managers engaging with their employees directly, fostering communication, and gaining a firsthand understanding of the workplace dynamics.
Today, as we consider complicated problems that demand innovative solutions, it’s time to expand this approach.
Enter…
Problem-Solving by Walking Around (PSBWA)
Problem-Solving by Walking Around is a twist on Management by Walking Around.
PSBWA emphasizes not just direct engagement with other people but also the value of examining problems by expanding self-engagement. By literally and mindfully “walking around” – thinking freely and deeply – we can uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden.
Here’s why this approach is not just beneficial but essential for creating solutions to problems.
The Value of Multiple Perspectives
When faced with a problem, our natural tendency is to confront it head-on with our first biased and often limited viewpoint. While complicated problems often have simple solutions (Ockham’s Razor), those solutions can be evasive and difficult to find.
By broadening our skills to include multiple perspectives and considering the resulting viewpoints, as seen from different angles, we can uncover nuances and interconnections that elude single-minded individual and groupthink perspectives.
There are many ways to broaden our decision-making skills. These skills start with curiosity and open-mindedness and are built on experiential learning, identifying patterns, and a keen interest in continuous self-development.
A Sampling of PSBWA Considerations
- Diverse Perceptions: Engaging with colleagues, stakeholders, or even stepping outside your immediate environment can provide fresh insights.
- Creative Thinking: Walking around can take your mind to places where “aha” moments come to you.
- Holistic Understanding: Accepting that problems have multiple branches and, often, their roots are buried deep.
The Calm Mindset
A key aspect of PSBWA is the emphasis on maintaining a calm and reflective mindset. In high-pressure situations, the instinct is to act quickly. However, hasty decisions can lead to suboptimal outcomes.
Here are the benefits of a calm, deliberate approach to problem solving:
- Reduced Stress: Taking a step back then “walking around” the problem reduces immediate stress, enabling clearer thinking.
- Better Decisions: A calm mind is more analytical and less likely to be swayed by emotions. It can evaluate options more objectively.
- Enhanced Patience: Allowing yourself the time to ponder and reflect results in fully grounded solutions.
Practical Steps for PSBWA
- Physically Move: When you encounter a problem, take a walk. Whether it’s a stroll around the office, a walk in the park, or simply moving to a different room, use physical movement to trigger your transition to deeper thinking processes.
- Engage with Others: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, or even friends outside your industry. Understanding the reasoning behind their perspectives can shed new light on the problem.
- Reflect Quietly: Allocate time for quiet reflection. A mindful approach quietly will improve your ability to select and process information and create solutions.
- Iterate: Revisit the problem multiple times from different angles. What seems like a small detail from one perspective can prove to be crucial from another.
Summing up
Problem-Solving by Walking Around is a focused adaptation of a well-considered management principle. By embracing multiple perspectives and maintaining a calm, reflective mindset, we can discern the critical aspects of today’s challenges more effectively.
Next time you face a tough problem, remember to walk around it—literally and figuratively. You will be impressed by the solutions you discover.
