Working Out Loud Method: A Guide to Better Collaboration

Have you ever heard of the Working Out Loud (WOL) method? If not, you should change that as soon as possible—because the Working Out Loud method could revolutionize the way you work. 

Working Out Loud focuses on knowledge sharing, productive collaboration and personal development. Therefore, this work concept is perfect for teams with different skills and interests.

What is Working Out Loud?

The Working Out Loud method was first mentioned by Bryce Williams in 2010 and subsequently developed by John Stepper. Both worked for many years in large companies and recognized the potential of transparent and collaborative work. Inspired by the principles of open collaboration and the desire to break through traditional work structures, the Working Out Loud method was created. 

But what exactly does Working Out Loud mean? 

Imagine you are working on a project and regularly sharing your progress, challenges and successes with your network. By talking openly about your work, you make your processes transparent and open the door to feedback, support, and new ideas.

Sharing knowledge is of central importance at WOL. By documenting your knowledge, making it visible, and actively reporting on it, you create a transparent and collaborative work culture. 

Stepper has described the principles and practices of WOL in detail in his book “Working Out Loud: For a Better Career and Life,” laying the foundation for a growing global community that successfully uses this strategy.

To work with the Working Out Loud method, there are so-called WOL Circles all over the world. Working Out Loud is based on four basic principles: 

1. Relationships: You identify people who can help you on your path. These can be colleagues, experts from other departments or even external contacts.
2. Generosity: You share not only your own progress, but also helpful information and support with your network. Give and take is the motto here.
3. Purposeful Discovery: As a member of the WOL Circle, you work towards your own goal, but the teams support each other in discovering the best ways to achieve it.
4. Growth Mindset: During the process, you regularly reflect on your progress and continuously learn. This will help you achieve your goals more efficiently and develop yourself personally.

Working Out Loud Example

The Working Out Loud method has now become an integral part of the work culture in many companies. Bosch provides an impressive Working Out Loud example. 

With the Working Out Loud method, Bosch aims to bring together expertise and talent to better share knowledge within the company. But the technology giant is not alone in this. To address complex tasks more efficiently, Bosch and Mercedes-Benz have now launched a cross-company Working Out Loud conference, called WOLCON. 

At this conference, the two companies brought together around 400 employees to strengthen the innovative power of both companies. The positive response and noticeable progress provide a good example of how effective Working Out Loud can be in a large company.

To make planning a Working Out Loud Circle more efficient, the desk-sharing software Flexopus is exactly the right tool. This way, you and your colleagues can easily reserve meeting rooms for your circle online – ensuring that all members stay on track.

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What are the benefits of the Working Out Loud method?

Working Out Loud promotes an open and transparent way of working that intensifies knowledge sharing and collaboration. WOL is an important tool, especially in companies, because the active integration of the method helps ensure that knowledge does not just remain in the minds of individual employees, but is shared transparently. This leads to optimized knowledge management and ensures that important information and skills are available to everyone.

The Working Out Loud method is also perfectly suited for the personal development of team members. It helps you build a strong professional network by regularly sharing your progress and challenges. Through clear structure and regular reflection, you can systematically achieve your goals and continuously develop yourself. 

In addition, WOL strengthens the sense of belonging and motivation within the team, as all members actively contribute to the success of the group. The method also supports the professional development of all participants, as knowledge and feedback are constantly shared. 

Ultimately, Working Out Loud helps both employees and companies to unlock innovation potential and find creative solutions by creating a space for the free exchange of ideas.

Working Out Loud review

Although the Working Out Loud method offers many advantages, there are some criticisms. Unfortunately, in today's working world, it is not always easy to fully exploit the benefits of Working Out Loud. The concept may be less suitable for some companies for the following reasons:

• Time commitment: The regular meetings and tasks require a significant amount of time, which can be difficult to fit into already busy work schedules. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to accommodate the schedules of five people so that they can meet weekly for three months.
• Commitment: The method requires a high degree of commitment and initiative. If members are not fully involved, this can negatively impact the entire process and the motivation of the group.
• Confidentiality: Openly sharing information and progress can be problematic in certain professional contexts, especially when sensitive or confidential data is involved.
• Group dynamics: The success of a WOL Circle depends heavily on the group dynamics. Disagreements or lack of harmony within the group can hamper the process.
• Results orientation: Critics complain that the method is too focused on the process and less on concrete results.
• Culture Dependence: In companies with traditional hierarchies and less open cultures, implementing WOL can be difficult because the Working Out Loud method relies on transparency and flat hierarchies.

How do I find a Working Out Loud Circle?

The Working Out Loud Circle is, so to speak, the heart of the method. This circle consists of a small group that meets regularly to work together on individual goals and support each other. Traditionally, a Circle consists of 12 weeks, with a 60-minute meeting each week to update everyone within the Circle.

Working Out Loud in a group is particularly effective if you set a clear goal and reflect on your progress weekly. Valuable feedback from other group members will help you develop further along the way.

Finding a Circle is easier than you might think. Working Out Loud Circles already exist in more than 20 countries worldwide. You can ask about existing Working Out Loud Circles in your company, use professional networks like LinkedIn, join the global WOL community, or start your own Circle. There is also an official WOL Circle Guide to help you structure the process.

Summary

The Working Out Loud method offers an innovative and effective way to promote collaboration and personal development. Through transparency, regular communication, and knowledge sharing, WOL strengthens not only individual skills but also the entire team. 

If you're looking for a practical and structured method to achieve goals and build relationships, finding a Working Out Loud Circle is definitely worth trying.