For many control freaks out there, including myself, it's not easy to let nature take its course.
Rather, they flog dead horses, pull on the grass to make it grow faster, etc.
If you recognize yourself in this behavior, you might be interested to learn more about Wu Wei, the ancient Chinese concept of knowing when (not) to act.
Wu Wei literally means "inaction" or not doing, which is very different from doing nothing. Rather, Wu Wei is the art of doing the right thing at the right time. Or not doing at the right time.
So, for instance, did you have a less productive day today? What do you do?
Beat yourself up and play catch-up in the evening or tomorrow? Or do you try to understand the reasons of the lower productivity and try better next time?
Or, did your team fall behind on their commitments? What do you do?
Shout and let them do overtime? Or do you try to understand the causes and work out a solution?
Or did your mother call you up for the tenth time this week to ask for help on a trivial matter? What do you do?
Years ago I read Theo Fischer’s book “Wu Wei” that I can highly recommend. I am not sure there is an English version available. If not available, another book on the same topic I can definitely recommend is Dr. Wayne W. Dyer’s “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. Living The Wisdom Of The Tao”.
Likely for marketing purposes the book title for the Dutch version of Wu Wei was converted to “The art of doing nothing”. So of course I bought the book 😊and then learned Wu Wei was not about doing nothing, but a Taoist concept of knowing when to act and when not to act.
The paradoxical concept of Wei Wu Wei, 'acting by not acting', can be interpreted as 'not acting against the nature of things'.
Wu Wei is often associated in Taoism with water and the way water behaves. Water does not have a solid shape like a rock or a piece of wood, it flows everywhere and can fill all hollows. It seems like water doesn't do anything, but still it does something. The idea is not to resist a current, but to choose from the directions in which the current flows and to accept the consequences.
Since reading the book I try to apply Wu Wei in my daily routine. It's not straightforward, being a control freak, but it has helped me to relax more and actually made me less controlling.
The Tao teachings learn us to (better) listen to our body. It knows earlier than your brain what situation you are in. Do you recognize when you get flushed or when you yawn or get heavy shoulders?
The proposed action is to “sit by the river” (figuratively speaking or even literally) and observe the stream of thoughts. The answer to a complex problem will come naturally.
I know this may all sound very fluffy and not worth giving it a try. Still, I’d encourage you to give it a go and see if it may help you as it has helped me.
Wu Wei and BPO and IT outsourcing
Also in BPO and IT outsourcing contexts Wu Wei is truly relevant, given the complexity, fast pace, competing interests, etc. It offers a unique perspective that can improve how organizations approach efficiency and productivity.
It might seem counterintuitive to associate a concept of “not doing” with the hectic situation of BPO and IT outsourcing, but its principles hold relevance in optimizing processes and achieving sustainable success.
At its core, Wu Wei encourages harmony with the natural flow of events, advocating for a balance between action and non-action. In the context of BPO and IT outsourcing, this philosophy suggests that instead of forcing every step of a process, organizations should focus on aligning their actions with the inherent rhythm of the tasks at hand. This approach reflects the shift from a mentality of constant pushing to a mindset that emphasizes adaptability, intuition, and strategic restraint.
One key aspect of Wu Wei is intuitive decision-making. In the BPO and IT outsourcing landscape, this translates to allowing experienced professionals to make decisions based on their expertise rather than adhering strictly to predefined protocols. It encourages a dynamic response to unique situations, fostering creativity and innovation. When teams are empowered to exercise their judgment, it often leads to faster issue resolution, enhanced client satisfaction, and improved overall efficiency.
As said, the concept of Wu Wei promotes the idea of "doing by not doing." In a BPO or IT outsourcing context, this can be likened to knowing when to step back and let processes unfold naturally. This doesn't imply neglect; rather, it signifies a keen awareness of when micromanagement might hinder progress. By entrusting capable employees and partners, organizations can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, resulting in increased dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
In the field of IT outsourcing, embracing Wu Wei can be advantageous during system implementations and upgrades. Instead of rushing through each stage to meet deadlines, a Wu Wei-inspired approach involves aligning project timelines with the natural pace of development. This not only reduces the risk of errors caused by haste but also enhances the likelihood of delivering a robust and stable IT solution.
You may recognize Wu Wei in Agile software development concepts.
Adopting Wu Wei in BPO and IT outsourcing doesn't mean avoiding action altogether; it's about recognizing when action is most effective and when it's better to observe and adjust. This philosophy underscores the importance of holistic thinking and cultivating a deep understanding of the processes at play.
Simple examples of “When to Act”:
1. Performance Evaluation: If a project or team is consistently falling behind on commitments or not meeting expectations, it's essential to assess the situation. Identifying the root causes of underperformance allows you to take targeted actions to rectify the issues.
2. Communication: If there are communication breakdowns or misunderstandings within the team or between the outsourcing provider and client, it's important to address these promptly. Clear communication is vital for project success.
3. Problem Resolution: When challenges or roadblocks arise, taking immediate action to identify solutions and implement necessary changes can prevent delays and ensure the project stays on track.
“When Not to Act” (Practicing Wu Wei):
1. Micro-management: Constantly trying to control every aspect of the outsourced project can stifle creativity and autonomy. Allowing teams to work within their expertise and offering guidance rather than rigid directives can lead to better results.
2. Overreacting to Minor Setbacks: Just as Wu Wei suggests, it's important to distinguish between immediate reactions and thoughtful responses. Overreacting to minor setbacks can disrupt the team's morale and effectiveness.
3. Impulsive Decisions: Decisions made in the heat of the moment may not always be the best ones. Wu Wei encourages taking a step back, assessing the situation, and making well-informed choices.
In conclusion, the application of Wu Wei in the BPO and IT outsourcing context presents a good alternative approach – a departure from the constant pursuit of speed and the embrace of a more intuitive, adaptive, and harmonious approach. By allowing processes to unfold naturally, empowering skilled professionals, and strategically choosing when to act, organizations can unlock a new level of efficiency, innovation, and long-term success. Just as water effortlessly navigates its course around obstacles, BPO and IT outsourcing can navigate challenges with finesse, guided by the principles of Wu Wei.
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