Group Problem Solving

Principles:
- Dont jump to solutions before defining the problem
- Solve problems close to the source
- Attend the interests of all stakeholders
- Team based knowledge

Brainstorming Guidelines:
- Identify a recorder and facilitator (can be the same person)
- Clarify the issue or question
- If appropriate, first generate ideas individually on paper
- Begin recording ideas from the group --sequentially or otherwise
- Encourage “piggy-backing” and “wild or crazy” ideas
- Discourage criticism or judgmental comments
- Push past “the pause”
- Cluster before you prioritize

A Process Improvement Model
Aim
(The aim of the process --How are things supposed to happen?)
Reality
(How do things actually happen?)
Root Causes
(What would account for any gaps between the aim and reality?)
Improvement Options
(What are options that might help close the gap?)
Value-added Implementation
(Of the many options, which ones will add value? How would they be implemented?)
Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
(What are the criteria for success? What is the evaluation plan? What mechanisms will help ensure continuous improvement?)