MBWA: Managing By Walking Around

MBWA: Managing By Walking Around (what it is and what it is not)

MBWA (Management by Walking Around) is a technique that has been around for quite awhile. I am not sure exactly where it originated, but I have practiced it myself and have observed others practicing it - both intentionally and unintentionally. It is very effective if used properly - and very ineffective if not used correctly!

Incorrectly using MBWA.

Many of us have experienced ineffective managers at one point in our careers. Typically one of the distinguishing factors of a poor manager is that they do not ask good questions and they have little to offer in the way of help, support, or suggestions. This holds true with MBWA. In MBWA, the objective is for us as a manager to walk around and mingle among the people in the organization. So, whether walking on the shop floor, through a manufacturing plant, through a processing facility, a customer service area, a store, or virtually any venue, there is a lot to see and observe. It is only when we have the right questions and the right framework in our minds that we can really soak up what is there and leave behind the best possible messages.

Effective MBWA

Effective managers have their fingers on the pulse of their projects, their teams, and their organizations. They have an in depth understanding of their customers needs and they also are polished at keeping on top of changes. Changes might include some of the following:

1. Occurrence of risk
2. Changes in customer needs
3. Personal problems among employees
4. Friction between employees
5. Changing requirements
6. Systems not working
7. And many, many more.

The key is to understand what parameters provide the pulse, and to be able to take the pulse - and also administer medicine when needed. As project managers, it is our job to proactively inquire and observe, as well as initiate and decide. It is no different when using the technique of management by walking around.

All the technique of managing by walking around does is get us out of our seat, out of our office, and out with our stakeholders, employees, team members - and into the actual work environment. The key to success at MBWA, however, is just like the key to success in anything related to management: to listen, use proper management techniques, and be an excellent executive.
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John Reiling, PMP