Douglas Weaver, MBA, PMP, CSM

There are some non-typical ideas to learn skills and cultivate a more dynamic and creative approach to root cause analysis. Scenario-Based Games: Create interactive games or simulations where team members must analyze complex scenarios to identify root causes. Reverse Engineering Challenges: Present teams with situations where the solution is known, and participants must work backward to uncover the root cause. Mind Mapping Sessions: Conduct collaborative mind mapping sessions where team members visually diagram potential relationships between symptoms and root causes. Random Stimuli Exercises: Introduce unrelated stimuli, such as images, quotes, or objects, and challenge teams to draw connections to the problem at hand.

Defining a clear and compelling vision for a BPR project should be a collaborative effort with the team rather than solely the leader's responsibility. This approach brings numerous benefits, including team ownership, diverse perspectives, team alignment, innovative ideas, and increased buy-in. By involving the team, the vision becomes more robust and inclusive, setting the stage for a successful BPR project. A collaborative vision-setting in taps into the team's collective intelligence and commitment, ensuring that the project's goals are well-understood, buy-in is strong, and potential challenges are proactively addressed. This collaborative approach enhances the chances of achieving a successful BPR transformation.

Can empathy be learned? It can certainly be faked- and usually people/teams figure that out very quickly. So, the real question might be can genuine empathy be learned? Research has shown that empathy is not an immutable trait, and anyone can develop it through practice and effort. Here are some ways to learn empathy: -Have conversations with a wide range of people about their feelings and experiences -Seek out new perspectives and experiences -Practice active listening, asking questions, be curious -Be aware of your own biases and question them -Take the time to understand the emotions and needs of others It is important to note that learning empathy is an ongoing process that requires practice, awareness, and a willingness to learn.

I agree, but feel this is much more complex. If we define “empathy” as the ability to understand the needs of others and to be aware of their feelings and thoughts- is empathy enough. Being the most empathetic person does automatically lead to increased trust and respect. Empathy alone is not enough to build great teams. Leaders also need to cultivate other skills, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Leaders need to balance empathy with other leadership traits, such as integrity, positivity, and accountability.