Libertating Structures

LS - 15% Solutions

Feeling stuck? Focus on your 15%. What can you influence *now*, without permission or extra resources? This exercise surfaces immediate actions to reduce powerlessness. It's about quick wins within your control.

Duration
20 mins
Group Size
1-100
Category
Libertating Structures
Difficulty
Easy
Identify immediate actions within your sphere of influence. Generate quick wins to build momentum.
Participants identify 2-3 concrete actions they can take immediately. They experience increased agency.
Some participants will claim they need approval for everything. Gently push back. Ask: "What could you do without asking?" or "Where do you already have freedom?" or "What's one small thing within your control?" A '15%' action could be changing your approach, starting a conversation, sharing information differently, trying a small experiment, or stopping an unhelpful behavior. Avoid ideas like "Someone else should..." or those needing approval/resources. The '15%' is metaphorical; the point is focusing on your sphere of control. Small actions compound and lead to a bigger impact. Use this when people feel stuck, after problem analysis, when waiting for approval, or when there's resistance to 'big change'. Don't worry if someone's 15% seems small initially; the collective impact matters. If the initial brainstorm yields few ideas, be patient and offer examples.

  1. Context (3 minutes): Introduce the challenge and constraints. Explain the 15% concept: Where do you have freedom to act now? 2. Individual Brainstorm (7 minutes): Silently answer: "What is your 15%?" and "What action is within your control right now?" Write specific actions:

"I can..." not "We should..."
"I will..." not "Someone should..."

  • Actions you can start this week.

Aim for 5-10 ideas. 3. Pair Sharing (5 minutes): Share ideas with a partner for feedback. Refine and build on each other's ideas. Focus on specific actions. 4. Whole Group (5 minutes): Volunteers share promising ideas. Identify patterns and actions that could be combined. Commit to next steps.

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For Facilitators

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

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

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