Management by Walking About
Door Stakeholder Map
1. Definition
1.1. Management strategy involving managers direct interaction with staff.
2. Benefits
2.1. Better communication with employees
2.1.1. Direct interaction
2.1.2. Immediate feedback
2.2. Understand the ground reality
2.2.1. Actual working conditions
2.2.2. Employee challenges
2.3. Discovery of issues before they escalate
2.3.1. Direct observation of operations
2.3.2. Early identification of problems
3. Challenges
3.1. Resistance from employees
3.1.1. Fear of micromanagement
3.1.2. Uncomfortable with unexpected visits
3.2. Misinterpretation of purpose
3.2.1. Perceived as spying or lack of trust
3.3. Overdoing it
3.3.1. Disruption of normal work flow
3.3.2. Neglecting other managerial tasks
4. How it fits in with other management styles
4.1. Complements with transformational leadership
4.2. Balance with strategic and operational management tasks
4.3. Enhances the agility of Agile project management
5. Origins
5.1. Hewlett-Packard corporate culture
5.2. Adopted by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman
6. Implementing MBWA
6.1. Random, informal visits to workplace
6.1.1. Not scheduled
6.1.2. Allows observation of normal processes
6.2. Questions and discussions with employees
6.2.1. Involve in their tasks
6.2.2. Ask about their ideas or opinions
6.3. Recognition of good work
6.3.1. Personal acknowledgment
6.3.2. Encourage motivation and productivity