Reflection – Visualization  Date: 270220    Challenge  The story started when I stepped into a new job last year as a research and development engineer  leader. This company has run for almost 20 years. Like many firms, there are many toxic people with  fixed mindset and old skill set. Moreover, the culture of this company was silo. The situation was when  you got the new brilliant idea which was better for every stakeholder including those toxic people but  they had been against you because they just do not want to change anything. My challenge was how  can I convince and make everyone have the same picture as mine. I had to empathize them to know  how they think and explain why my new solution would help them.     Selection  The tool I selected was visualization. Many times, an image had more power than hundreds of words.  I used this tool to project my idea to let others understand the boarder picture, where would we go,  which parts they were responsible for. Since the diversity of people’s ages and types, they had got the  different terminologies, various backgrounds. So, I used visualization to embed pictures, graphs to  their minds to make them look at the same goal.      Application  I started with visualizing the entire picture of the system in my company via a diagram. Many of them  had worked for years, but they only did jobs from their point of view. With aspect from outside, I was  able to spot their strengths and weaknesses. A lot of works were unnecessary, they however did them  because they were used to. My diagram comparatively showed that they could reduce the procedure  and also the cost. There were two departments which did almost tasks for the same purposes. They  never talked or exchanged information to each other. Visualization helped them see their part in the  business and accept a new method. I did not show only the diagram, but also the long-term effects of  the novel method. If it is good for you, you will do it. That is the fundamental of how people think.  Therefore, the visualization came to the show again. I showed what they would get when you  complete this new project. One of the key benefits of visualization is inclusion, I can say.    Along with the progress of the new project, the process of visualization had to be continuously done.  When anyone completed any part of anything, everyone should have the same understanding of what  was done in the big picture. I and my colleagues revised our diagram of the project every week.    Insight  After using visualization, I can convince other people easier than earlier. When they look at the same  picture, the communication is much more effective.    By the way, only visualization is hard to make people adopt your idea. Someone still cannot get your  point. I have to admit that some concept is difficult to visualize. The process of visualization took more  efforts and time than I had thought. There are so many visualization tools out there. To choose the  right tool for the right concept is very challenging.     Approach  As I got a lesson that only visualization might be not enough, I think if I can combine another tool, it  will be helpful. Story telling is the one I need. After you visualize it, you have to explain it attractively.  This way, I can lead the team as one.

