Swarm or Domino? Choosing the Right Approach to Problem-Solving
When to Bring Everyone to the Table and When to Take it Step by Step
In tackling complex challenges, the approach you take can make all the difference. Sometimes, the best way forward is to “swarm the problem”—bringing all the relevant experts together in one room to work collaboratively. This approach ensures a coordinated effort, where different perspectives and expertise are harmonized to create a well-rounded solution. By including everyone who needs to be responsible, accountable, consulted, or informed (RACI), the team builds consensus and ensures all requirements are integrated from the outset.
This kind of collaborative problem-solving can prevent costly oversights. When voices aren’t heard early in the design process, their critical insights often emerge later as afterthoughts, leading to expensive amendments and delays. Swarming the problem also fosters a deeper understanding of the interdependencies between different elements, enhancing the final design.
However, there are times when a serial or incremental approach may be more appropriate. Addressing issues one at a time can create a “domino effect,” where each decision informs and supports the next. This method allows for focused, step-by-step progress, which can be particularly effective when approvals or resources are contingent on preceding steps.
Yet, a major pitfall of the serial approach is that critical issues can be overlooked until it’s too late. For instance, if a significant problem emerges near the end of the process—one that should have been addressed at the beginning—it can derail the entire project, wasting valuable time and resources.
This dilemma is at the heart of the debate between traditional “waterfall” project management and “Agile” methodologies. Waterfall relies on a linear, sequential process, where decisions are made in a fixed order. While it provides structure, it often struggles to adapt when late-stage changes reveal flaws in earlier decisions. In contrast, Agile embraces iterative development, allowing for incremental progress while continuously revisiting and refining solutions. Agile’s adaptability ensures that critical issues are surfaced and addressed early, minimizing the risk of costly rework.
Ultimately, the decision to swarm the problem or tackle it incrementally depends on the context. Complex, interdependent challenges with high stakes often benefit from collaboration and consensus-building. Simpler or resource-constrained scenarios may lean toward a sequential approach. The key is recognizing the strengths and limitations of each strategy and applying them judiciously to achieve the best outcomes.
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Tim HJ Rogers, Coach, Consultant, Change-Manager
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