Facilitate a Problem-Solving Meeting

Very often a facilitator is called in because a group is having trouble solving a problem. The facilitator is not expected to be a subject matter expert but plays an important role in helping a group to solve a problem by getting them to clarify and agree on what the problem is. They then determine a problem's root cause and brainstorm possible solutions. The facilitator ensures that everyone participates without being judged. Once that process is complete, the facilitator helps the group evaluate and decide on the best option. Finally, an action plan is drawn up with a review date to check that the problem and its solution have been processed.

• Learn to facilitate a problem-solving meeting.
• Clarify and agree on what the problem is.
• Use the 5 whys technique to establish the problem's root cause.
• Brainstorm possible solutions and ensure all ideas are heard and not judged.
• Help the group do a reality check on all ideas in order to evaluate and decide on the best option.
• Do a reality check and evaluate all ideas.
• Draw up an action plan with review date.