Problem Solving
Elon Musk uses a systematic method of problem solving known as “first principles thinking,” which involves “creating new knowledge and solutions from scratch,” (Oshin, n.d., p. 1). First principles thinking allows for maximum creativity in the problem solving process. Furthermore, first principles thinking is solution-focused, encouraging Musk and leaders like him to push through seemingly insurmountable barriers. Elon Musk’s visionary style of leadership blends well with the first principles approach, allowing the innovative leader and starter of radically new businesses like Tesla, PayPal, SpaceX and Solar City to “make the leap from what is to what is possible,” going beyond what others have done before, using methods that are equally as unique or even controversial (Straus, 2017, p. 1). In fact, Elon Musk’s first principles approach has been controversial in many ways, revealing the necessity for visionary leaders to overcome resistance to change and to be willing to boldly forge forward with optimism and determination to achieve goals.
Creativity is crucial for effective problem solving for several reasons. For one, creativity allows the leader to remain open to new opportunities and approaches rather than remain bogged down by rote or standardized ways of resolving conflicts (DuBrin, 2015). Also, visionary leadership depends on optimism: the certainty that goals can be achieved. As DuBrin (2015) points out, enthusiasm and joyousness aid in the problem solving process because of the importance of remaining positive.
Skillful and creative problem solving also entails breaking down...
References
Bariso, J. (2017). This email from Elon Musk to Tesla employees describes what great communication looks like. Inc. https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/this-email-from-elon-musk-to-tesla-employees-descr.html
DuBrin, A. (2015). Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Oshin, M. (n.d.). Elon Musk’s 3-step first principles thinking. Mayo Oshin. https://mayooshin.com/first-principles-thinking/
Straus, D. (2017). The genius problem solving method Elon Musk learned from Aristotle. Inc. https://www.inc.com/david-straus/the-genius-problem-solving-method-elon-musk-learne.html
Wartzman, R. (2015). Admire Elon Musk all you want, but please don’t manage like him. Fortune. http://fortune.com/2015/01/21/elon-musk-micromanagement-control/
Woolf, N. (2016). Elon Musk Twitter rant a “case study” in how not to handle a crisis, experts say. The Guardian. 7 July, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/07/tesla-elon-musk-autopilot-death-crisis-management
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