Take your Decision Making from Chaos to Clarity

Imagine this: a machine breakdown halts production, and suddenly, a frustrated supervisor throws the issue on your desk, demanding an immediate solution. Your team is stressed, the clock is ticking, and the cost of downtime is climbing. What do you do?

This scenario is all too familiar for many foundry managers. Faced with constant challenges, we often resort to quick fixes that may address the immediate issue but fail to solve the root cause. The result? The same problems keep recurring, morale suffers, and valuable time and resources are wasted.

But what if there were a better way to handle these situations? A way to turn chaotic, knee-jerk reactions into structured, thoughtful decision-making? Enter the 24/3 principle. I didn’t develop the principle, but I love its simplicity and results. Prof. Dr. Markus Hengstschläger mentioned it in his keynote speech at the Euroguss Executive Circle. It is a simple but powerful method that encourages effective problem-solving while fostering teamwork and creativity.

Understanding the 24/3-Principal

The 24/3 concept is straightforward: When faced with a problem, rather than rushing to a quick decision, take 24 hours to think it over. Then, reconvene as a team, with each member bringing three potential solutions to the table. This approach does two things: it gives everyone time to think critically, and it ensures multiple perspectives are considered before a decision is made.

The 24/3 method helps teams avoid the pitfalls of impulsive decisions by taking a step back and allowing thoughtful consideration. It promotes a culture where employees are empowered to contribute their ideas and problems are approached from multiple angles.

Another key advantage of the 24/3 approach is how it circumvents traditional authority structures. Instead of having one person—often a manager or senior leader—impose their solution, every team member develops their ideas independently. This process levels the playing field, allowing diverse viewpoints to the surface and encouraging innovative solutions that might not otherwise be considered.

The Benefits of 24/3 for Foundry Teams

Why should foundry managers adopt the 24/3 approach? Here are three key benefits:

Encourages Ownership and Accountability:
When team members are required to present their solutions, they become more invested in the outcome. They shift from being passive observers to active problem-solvers, which fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. This can lead to higher engagement and morale, as employees feel their contributions matter.
Reduces Stress and Improves Decision Quality:
The 24-hour reflection period minimises the pressure to find a quick fix and helps prevent rash decisions. Instead, team members have time to analyse the problem thoroughly, leading to more thoughtful and informed solutions. According to McKinsey research, teams that use structured decision-making processes are 30% more likely to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Fosters Creativity and Innovation through Independent Thinking:
Requiring each person to come up with three solutions independently encourages out-of-the-box thinking. This approach prevents groupthink, where people might unconsciously align with what they believe the manager wants to hear, and instead opens the floor to diverse ideas. It promotes a culture where all voices are heard, regardless of hierarchy, and where creative and unconventional solutions can flourish.

Real-Life Examples of 24/3 in Action

Consider a foundry struggling with frequent furnace breakdowns, which lead to costly production delays and overtime expenses. The initial reaction might be to call for immediate repairs without digging into the root cause. Instead, the manager decides to implement the 24/3 principle.

The team takes 24 hours to assess the problem, and when they meet, each member presents three solutions. Suggestions range from preventive maintenance schedules to upgrading old equipment and retraining operators on best practices. Because everyone had time to think independently, they brought forward solutions that might not have emerged in a top-down decision-making process. After evaluating all the ideas, the team decides on a combination of preventive measures and operator training, which significantly reduces future breakdowns and costs.

By applying the 24/3 rule, the team moves from firefighting mode to strategic problem-solving, significantly reducing downtime and cutting overtime costs.

Practical Steps to Implement 24/3

Ready to give the 24/3 method a try in your foundry? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Introduce the Concept to Your Team:
Explain the “24/3” rule and its benefits to your team. Encourage open dialogue and address any concerns or questions they might have.
Set Clear Expectations:
When a problem arises, set a 24-hour period for analysis. Encourage everyone involved to think critically about the issue and come prepared with three possible solutions.
Facilitate the Meeting:
After 24 hours, hold a meeting where each person presents their solutions. Create a safe environment where all ideas are welcome, and everyone feels heard. Emphasise that there is no “right” or “wrong” answer—every perspective is valuable.
Evaluate and Decide:
Evaluate all the proposed solutions collaboratively. Weigh the pros and cons, consider feasibility, and decide on the best course of action. Ensure that everyone understands why certain decisions were made, reinforcing transparency and trust.
Follow Up:
Implement the chosen solution(s) and set a timeline for follow-up. Review the outcome and discuss what worked and what didn’t, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Closing Thoughts

The 24/3 approach is more than just a problem-solving tool—it’s a mindset shift that encourages collaboration, creativity, and strategic thinking. Allowing everyone to develop their ideas independently breaks down traditional hierarchies and brings fresh perspectives to the forefront. In an industry where quick decisions can often lead to long-term consequences, taking a step back to think and plan can make all the difference.

So, the next time a problem lands on your desk, resist the urge to rush. Instead, take 24 hours, gather your team, and explore the possibilities together. You might be surprised at the innovative solutions that emerge.

For more such insights and practical solutions to optimise your processes, the Process Optimisation Workshop is perfect. Schedule a Free Consultation Call to find out more