“Sometimes I feel as though we haven’t done a very good job at getting to the bottom of a problem. Is there a quick technique to identify the core cause of a relatively simple problem?”

#17   5 Whys

What is 5 Whys?

5 Whys is a technique for getting to the core source of problems in minimum time.   Research shows that to get to the core of a problem one will need to ask the question “Why?” an average of 5 times. 5 Whys involves asking this basic question until your meeting group is satisfied that the root Continue reading →

“Participants in our meetings sometimes ask themselves `Is anybody listening?’ This tends to happen especially during heated debates. How can I be sure that people are truly listening, and that everyone feels that they have been listened to?”

#16 New Shoes

What are New Shoes?

The New Shoes technique helps ensure that people in your meeting groups are listening, understanding, and can explain the other perspectives being presented in the room. This is accomplished by asking participants to summarize what they heard to the satisfaction of the people who originally presented an idea or point of view.

This process Continue reading →

“Sometimes my participants use meeting time to discuss private, one-on-one issues that don’t include the rest of the group. How can I prevent this from happening?”

#15 Working Break

What is Working Break?

Working Break is a technique that provides your meeting group with a designated period of time for addressing private, one-on-one issues during the meeting without wasting the time of the other participants. This is a short, informal time specifically set aside in the meeting to take care of private and/or small group business. It also allows for stretching and refreshing beverages.

The reality is Continue reading →

“Our group is planning for the future. We know we need to change, but some of the things we are doing are good and shouldn’t be changed.   Is there a technique for helping us get rid of the bad and keep the good?”

#14 Keep/Throw

What is Keep/Throw?

Keep/Throw provides a process for a group to agree on what is working and should continue to be done, and what is not working and should be discontinued or changed.

When planning for the future, radical changes are sometimes needed to meet the new goals. In this situation, Continue reading →

“Our group has been through a lot together and we’ve developed some serious emotional energy about how we worked with each other in the past. It’s difficult to articulate exactly what all the issues are, but I want to use this energy and past experience to help us in the future. What do you suggest?”

#13 Prouds and Sorries

What are Prouds and Sorries?

The Prouds and Sorries technique constructively addresses both the positive and potentially negative emotional issues facing your meeting group. Because emotional issues can heavily impact the effectiveness of any group, it is imperative Continue reading →

“Sometimes our group needs to hear from experts in various fields in order to understand more about a technical issue. But whenever we have an expert come in to talk, things never go as planned. They either talk over our heads, talk too long, or totally miss the point we are seeking. How can I work more effectively with these people?”

#12 Content Experts

What are Content Experts?

Content Experts allow you to gather information on a specific subject from someone who does it for a living, studies it for a living, or uses it Continue reading →

“Our group needs some discipline. A few outspoken people seem to be influencing the thinking of the other meeting participants. If we are to truly benefit from everyone’s ideas, we need to find a way to eliminate this type of pressure. Do you have any ideas?”

#10  Nominal Group Process

What is Nominal Group Process?

Nominal Group Process is a technique that allows meeting participants to express themselves without immediate outside influence. The process involves having each group member individually think and write down their thoughts about an issue or problem before presenting them to the group Continue reading →

“We have a demanding problem to solve and we’re finding it difficult to get our arms around it. Is there a simple technique that will focus our efforts in the right direction?”

#9  Is/Is Not

What is Is/Is Not?

Is/Is Not is a technique for specifically identifying a problem. “A problem well stated is a problem half solved” goes the old adage, revealing that you can’t solve a problem until you clearly and accurately identify it.  Is/Is Not defines exactly what a problem is and what a problem is not.

Sometimes the process of Continue reading →

“We are constantly trying to maximize the efforts of our organization. But it’s difficult to know how to help work teams without knowing exactly what they do or the problems they face. How can I lead work groups to share this kind of information without being boring?”

#8 Skits

What are Skits?

Skits allow groups to share information about their responsibilities and work situation with other groups in their organization. In this way they can help others better understand the reality of their situation.

Skits use the power of example to illustrate a position, depict a problem, or Continue reading →