A630.8.4.RB - Build a Tower, Build a Team_WitteWilliam

After viewing the above video, reflect on the following questions in a well-written post on your Reflection Blog.

• Do you agree with Tom Wujec's analysis of why kindergarteners perform better on the Spaghetti Challenge than MBA students?

     The video suggests that the kindergarteners of the focus group relied on a "top-down" approach to solving the problem whereas MBA students had a "bottom-up" mentality when trying to solve the problem.  Additionally, it is suggested that the business students waste time trying to come up with the best solution, however the children dive right in to the project and try many options before reaching the best one.  While these ideas have merit and make sense, I think there may be an easier, more fundamental reason for why the kindergarteners are better that was not considered; otherwise, I agree with the proposed rationale(s).

• Can you think of any other reasons why kids might perform better?

     I think the more basic reason may be one of creativity - the children are full of it!  MBA students try to reach a solution based on what they have been taught and their experience, but the kindergarterners rely on simply ingenuity.  In this manner, I believe that education and training have actually stifled the ability of the MBA students to do the job effectively.  The students lacking a formal education were far better equipped to get the job done.

• In your view, why do CEOs with an executive assistant perform better than a group of CEOs alone?

     Although CEOs know how to make a quick decision, it is their executive assistants that constantly keep track of pertinent information and filter it for them.  Having the admins around allows them to bounce ideas off of someone that is both related to their world and apart for it.  His/her training is more practical, less about making decisions and more about the big picture.  The assistant thinks differently and is able to focus on something like "how do we do it and let's try different options" versus the executive's notion of "let's make sure we debate and pick the best option before proceeding."  This makes the admins more effective creative thinkers.

• If you were asked to facilitate a process intervention workshop, how could you relate the video to process intervention skills?

     I think that during a process intervention workshop, I would use this exercise as a model for how to effectively demonstrate the structural suggestion of open communication.  Additionally, I would demonstrate that not only must members be willing to hear the ideas of others within this structure, but they must also be willing to be men and women of action.  Trial and error are key to getting the job done, and members must empathically listen and reflect feelings to one another for the team to be effective.

• What can you take away from this exercise to immediately use in your career?

     My biggest immediate lesson from this video and exercise is the importance of trying many different options and being open to creative solutions.  It is not enough to simply choose one solution that the team thinks is best; quickly begin to implement multivariable possibilities to explore which one is actually right.  This will allow the job to get done faster and better while minimizing conflict and empowering people to be clever while trying out new ideas.