Problem solving and conflict management strategies

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 the issue into smaller components, which prevents the leader from becoming overwhelmed. First principles thinking begins with an identification of the issues and its components, and then breaking each element down accordingly in a systematic fashion, perhaps by using techniques like journaling or using visual aids like graphs and charts. Working in a team, a strong leader can incorporate multiple points of view during the problem solving process. The leader is also willing to acknowledge prejudicial or biased thinking by entertaining new ideas.
Conflict Management
Elon Musk’s conflict management style is as bold and iconoclastic as his approach to problem solving. For example, a Tesla autopilot car accident resulted in a man’s death in 2016, and Musk responded in a way the media found “the wrong way to handle this sort of crisis,” (Woolf, 2016, p. 1). At the same time, Musk’s conflict management style within the organizations he leads has been heralded as stimulating innovation and enabling frank and open communication (Bariso, 2017). Musk has resisted the temptation to bow down to media pressures to conform to social standards or political correctness, instead sticking to the core values and principles of his vision. Effective conflict management means willing to make changes or amends as needed, but not based on emotionality or arbitrary rules. While Musk might have been insensitive in the response to the death of someone involved in an autopilot Tesla, the leader managed the conflict by referring to the core values and visions of the Tesla operation: the big picture issues.
Media and public relations conflicts are not the only issues that leaders like Elon Musk face during their tenure. Conflict management issues come up on a daily basis, often involving interpersonal conflict or conflicts related to organizational culture and management. Interestingly, Musk has also been criticized for his managerial tactics, with claims that he goes beyond micromanagement to “nano-management,” essentially turning away good talent by harshly reacting to those who disagree with him (Wartzman, 2015, p. 1). Musk can get away with nano-management for two reasons: the first is that his overall vision requires strong faith, trust, and buy-in. The second reason why Musk can use this otherwise inadvisable approach to conflict management is that he is consistent; as an iconoclast, Musk is not at all concerned with what psychologists, analysts, or journalists think of his style. The confidence and conviction Musk has is what makes his problem solving and conflict management skills effective and admirable.
Personal Reflection
Wartzman (2015) and Woolf (2016) claim that aspiring leaders should not try to mimic Elon Musk’s methods of conflict management or problem solving. However, I believe that a strong leader is one who does retain a strong sense of self confidence and self efficacy. The leader needs to place the big picture vision above and beyond what others think he or she “should” do or how he or she “should” act. When problems arise, strong leaders remain nonplussed, uninfluenced by whims, emotions, and opinions. I would emulate Musk’s approach by keeping in mind the grander vision, being willing to weather storms, and making sure that the people I had on board were equally as committed to my vision for change. The mission statement of the organization should remain pivotal to all decisions related to conflict management and problem solving. I would also mentor others so that the vision could be fulfilled even if I were no longer part of the organization.
Specifically, I would apply first principles thinking to all problems, especially those that seem the most daunting. Breaking down each issue into its constituent parts also helps a leader to delegate. I believe in combining a transformational leadership style with the more visionary style exhibited by Musk. Similarly, I believe in creating teams that can be empowered to address each of the smaller aspects of the problem. When team leaders are empowered using transformational leadership approaches, major problems and conflicts can be systematically resolved in creative and innovative ways.



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