“This is the third meeting we have had,” Derek explained. “We just aren’t making any headway and the deadline is coming up fast. I thought this would be an easy problem to solve, but it’s not.”
“So, who do you have on the project team?” I asked.
“My best people, all seasoned vets at this game, but this problem has got them stumped.”
“Why do you think they are stumped?”
“I don’t know. This was a system they put together. They know all the ins and outs. They know the limitations of the system. It’s almost like they have a mental block.”
“Have you thought about putting Miguel on the team, even on a temporary basis?” I ventured.
“Miguel? Why Miguel? He has only been here for two weeks and hardly knows our system at all,” protested Derek.
“Exactly! Did you ever consider that the thinking that designed this system, that the thinking that created this problem will not be the thinking that solves this problem?” -TF
Glad to read this: This is where some external consultants make their money from: Giving insights where internals are set in their ways. The key seems to create the necessary job rotation to keep fresh thoughts coming. When a manager says no fresh ideas coming out of the group, it seems like a good hint to introduce some ‘fresh air’ š