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 sharing knowledge, productive collaboration, and personal development. This makes it the perfect work concept for teams with diverse 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 in large companies for many years and recognized the potential of transparent and collaborative work. Inspired by principles of open collaboration and the desire to break down traditional work structures, the Working Out Loud method was born.

But what exactly does Working Out Loud mean?

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

Knowledge sharing is central to WOL. By documenting your knowledge, making it visible, and actively reporting on it, you create a transparent and collaborative work culture.

Stepper 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 globally growing community that successfully applies 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 core 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. The motto here is give and take.
3. Purposeful Discovery: As a member of a WOL Circle, you work toward your own goal, but the teams support each other in discovering the best ways to reach those goals.
4. Growth Mindset: Throughout the process, you regularly reflect on your progress and learn continuously. This helps you reach your goals more efficiently and develop 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 expertise and talent together to better share knowledge within the company. But the technology giant is not alone in this. To address complex tasks more efficiently, Bosch has now launched a cross-company Working Out Loud conference, known as WOLCON, together with Mercedes-Benz.

In this conference, the two companies brought together around 400 employees to strengthen the innovative power of both firms. The positive response and the visible 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 workplace management software Flexopus helps organize group meetings and the necessary resources. With the integrated room booking system, meeting rooms for regular circle sessions can be reserved with ease. Through the desk sharing feature, participants can also book suitable workspaces, while the parking space booking system simplifies the organization of available parking spots.

Furthermore, asset management enables the digital inventory and administration of work equipment and company assets. The visitor management software also allows for the digital registration and reception of external participants or experts for joint workshops.

For larger WOL events or workshops, the Catering and Facility Services module provides additional support: catering, room equipment, and other services can be requested directly as part of the room planning process.

So schafft Flexopus die organisatorischen Voraussetzungen für regelmäßige WOL Circles und gemeinsame Workshops, damit sich die Teilnehmenden auf das Wesentliche konzentrieren können: den Wissensaustausch, die Zusammenarbeit und die persönliche Weiterentwicklung.

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 actively incorporating 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.

Furthermore, WOL strengthens the sense of belonging and motivation within the team, as all members actively contribute to the group's success. The method also supports the professional development of everyone involved, as knowledge and feedback are constantly being shared.

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

Working Out Loud Criticism

Even though the Working Out Loud method offers many advantages, there are some points of criticism. Unfortunately, it is not necessarily easy to fully exploit the benefits of Working Out Loud in today's working world. The concept might be less suitable for some companies for the following reasons:

• Time commitment: The regular meetings and tasks require a significant time investment, which can be difficult to accommodate in already busy work schedules. Nowadays, it is nearly impossible to coordinate the schedules of five people so that they can meet weekly for three months.
• Engagement: The method requires a high level of commitment and personal initiative. If members are not fully on board, this can negatively impact the entire process and the group's motivation.
• 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 group dynamics. Disagreements or a lack of harmony within the group can hinder the process.
• Result orientation: Critics argue that the method focuses too much on the process and less on concrete results.
• Cultural dependence: In companies with traditional hierarchies and less open cultures, implementing WOL can be difficult, as 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 on individual goals together and support one another. Traditionally, a circle lasts 12 weeks, with a 60-minute meeting scheduled each week to bring all members of the circle up to date.

Working Out Loud is particularly effective in a group when you set a clear goal and reflect on your progress weekly. Valuable feedback from other group members helps you develop as you move toward that goal.

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

Zusammenfassung

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

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