In her article Organizational Ombuds’ Sources of Power and Influence, Mary Rowe, Ombuds at MIT Sloan School of Management, discusses ten sources of power organizational ombuds use on behalf of their constituents, in working to support systemic change within their organization, and to bolster their profession. One of the sources of power Mary discusses is the elegant solution. An elegant solution is a solution to a problem or challenge that is not only effective and lowest cost but also appears to be the simplest solution under the circumstances. It often requires a high level of skill to address complex issues while minimizing unnecessary complexity or convoluted elements.
Across disciplines, practitioners often strive for elegance in their solutions as it not only enhances the overall effectiveness but also contributes to a sense of beauty and harmony in the resolution of challenges. Mary describes elegant solutions in the context of organizational ombuds. She writes:
The ability to identify a solution to a problem that provides the most value and least harm to the most stakeholders—accomplished at the least cost—is a source of power that is often overlooked. An ombuds can sometimes piece together bits of information relevant to a particular issue, and listen in depth and over time to the interests of all who are stakeholders in a situation. Because they are familiar with so many aspects of an organization, an ombuds can sometimes uncover new options for an unexpected and sustainable solution. Elegant solutions are rare in life, but ombuds work hard to find them, and where elegant solutions can be found, they offer the ombuds power to influence an outcome in a way where most stakeholders gain at least a little. Elegant solutions are built on a deep knowledge of the context of a concern, accurate information about the interests of each stakeholder in a concern, and conflict management expertise. One reason that elegant solutions are rare is that most managers do not have time to develop them and are highly focused in silos. Ombuds, however, can and do pay attention—”as long as it takes”—to understand a context, realistically available resources, and the interests of those in conflict. Ombuds also can work with anyone in the organization at any level who can help; they thus can sometimes help to create a team approach to an elegant solution.
(2023 Mary Rowe, MIT Sloan)
I admire Mary’s utilization of ten powers derived from the Sources of Power in Negotiation, a framework she developed during her teaching tenure in negotiation and conflict management at the MIT Sloan School of Management. She employs this framework to explain the informal powers ombuds use to exert influence. I recommend taking a few moments to read Mary’s complete article, which is accessible HERE.
Discovering an elegant solution amid conflict can be difficult and time consuming. In such situations, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from an ombuds. Their unique vantage point may offer valuable insights and perspectives, facilitating the creation of an elegant solution.
By: Elizabeth Hill, Associate Director, University of Colorado Boulder and co-editor of Ombuzz