Two Approaches to Solving Project Problems

TL;DR

Two project managers have different approaches to problem-solving, with one tackling issues at their desk and the other going to the gemba (the place where the problem occurred) to understand the ground truth and find effective solutions.

Transcript

i had an interesting conversation last week with an experienced project manager and it left me remembering another conversation i had towards the end of last year with another experienced project manager this left me comparing the approaches that the two of them would take part of your job as a project manager is solving problems so any edge that y... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦔 Solving problems is a crucial part of a project manager's job, and gaining any edge in problem-solving can be valuable.
• 🤪 Two project managers, Tony and Tina, have different problem-solving approaches; Tony solves problems at his desk, while Tina goes to the gemba.
• 🤪 Going to the gemba allows project managers to understand the ground truth and find comprehensive solutions.
• 🥳 Reports, data, and third-party accounts rarely capture the reality of a problem, making it essential to be physically present where the problem occurred.
• 🥺 The gemba approach leads to smoother project outcomes and minimizes the need for additional work.
• 👯 Understanding the true nature of a problem requires spending time with the people who experienced it.
• 💁 The gemba approach helps project managers uncover important details that may be missed from a desk.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between Tony and Tina's approaches to problem-solving?

Tony tackles problems at his desk by gathering information and proposing quick solutions, while Tina goes to the gemba, where the problem occurred, to find comprehensive solutions with her team.

Q: How did Tony's approach lead to issues later on?

Tony's quick solution didn't accurately address the problem, resulting in a messy go-live and requiring extra work to fix.

Q: What does the term "gemba" mean in project management?

Gemba is a Japanese term that refers to the place where the problem occurred. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the ground truth by being physically present and spending time with the people who experienced the problem.

Q: Why is going to the gemba important in problem-solving?

Going to the gemba allows project managers to understand the problem in detail, gain insights from the people who experienced it, and find effective solutions. It helps avoid overlooking important details that may be missed behind a desk.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Two project managers, Tony and Tina, have different approaches to problem-solving.

• Tony solves problems at his desk by gathering information and proposing quick solutions.

• Tina goes to the gemba, where the problem occurred, and works with her team to find comprehensive solutions.