Collaboration

Discovery & Action Dialogue

This exercise helps teams tackle tough problems by involving those closest to them. Four targeted questions uncover hidden solutions and foster ownership.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
10-50
Category
Collaboration
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Collaborate to solve problems.

  • Discover solutions from within.

  • Increase commitment to improvements.

  • Identify existing effective strategies.

Participants will produce:

  • A completed Discovery & Action Dialogue.

  • Practical solutions ready for implementation.

  • Increased engagement and a readiness to act.

To ensure success:

  • Include those who experience the problem daily.

  • Create a safe space for vulnerability, especially for Q2.

  • Be patient; Q2 and Q3 are often the most valuable.

  • Frame issues as system problems, not individual failures.


Question 2 Tips:

It's normal for people to resist admitting contributions. Here's what I've found helpful:

  • Model vulnerability by sharing your own contributions first.

  • Emphasize the "unwitting" aspect – we're all products of the system.

  • Use humor when appropriate.

  • Acknowledge the difficulty, but encourage honesty.


Question 3 Tips:

This question reveals existing solutions. Ask:

  • "Despite the system, how do you manage to make things work?"

  • "What prevents things from getting worse?"


These are innovations worth sharing.

Facilitation Tips:

  • Be curious, not an expert.

  • Trust the knowledge of those on the front lines.

  • Help people articulate what they already know.

  • Avoid presenting pre-made solutions.


When to Use:

  • For chronic problems that haven't responded to top-down solutions.

  • When you need buy-in.

  • To tap into local knowledge.

  • If past solutions failed during implementation.


Expected Insights:

  • The problem is more complex than leaders initially thought.

  • Solutions often already exist within the team.

  • People feel more responsible and capable.

  • Participants show increased energy and ownership.


Success: Front-line staff identify and commit to improvements. Q2 can sometimes be a sticking point, but respectfully working through it yields great results.

  1. How do you know when problem X is present?

  2. How do you (unwittingly) contribute to problem X?

  3. What are you already doing that prevents problem X from being worse?

  4. What could you do to improve the situation?


Address each question in rounds (20-30 minutes each):

  1. Individual Reflection (3 min): Think silently; jot down notes.

  2. Pairs (5 min): Share insights; note similarities and differences.

  3. Small Groups (7 min): Discuss in groups of 4-6; look for patterns and surprises.

  4. Whole Group (5-10 min): Share key insights; the facilitator captures themes. Avoid problem-solving until Q4.


Flow Through Questions:

  1. Q1 - Recognition (20 min): Build a shared understanding of the problem.

  2. Q2 - Self-Responsibility (25 min): This question can be tough. Acknowledge how we're all part of the system.

  3. Q3 - Positive Deviance (25 min): Find existing strategies and hidden solutions.

  4. Q4 - Action (30 min): Generate ideas, make commitments, and plan next steps.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.


  • Four flipcharts (one per question)

  • Markers

  • Sticky notes

  • Timer

  • Clearly visible problem statement

  • Moveable seating

  • Wall space

  • Breakout spaces

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Exercises

See all exercises

RACI Matrix Development

2 hours

Use a RACI matrix to clarify roles and responsibilities. It identifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for key activities or ...

Collaboration

What, So What, Now What?

45 mins

Use this structured debrief to help teams make sense of shared experiences. It guides teams from observations to implications, leading to clear action...

Collaboration

Career Development Mapping

2 hours

Mapping career paths clarifies opportunities and boosts retention. Many leave roles due to unclear growth, not just compensation. This exercise helps ...

Collaboration