Taking the helicopter view [engineering management methods]

In trying to deal with a management problem, after investigations, acquisition of information and advice, it may still look insoluble. One way of overcoming such a problem, in ´management-speak´, is to ´take the helicopter view´. This is a metaphor for rising above the detail of the situation so that you can see it as a whole, and in its wider context. It means taking the overview; seeing the essentials rather than the details. This article aims to give some practical advice about taking the helicopter view. The author looks at five approaches, each illustrated with some practical examples, tips and advice.