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

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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

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  • Four flipcharts (one per question)

  • Markers

  • Sticky notes

  • Timer

  • Clearly visible problem statement

  • Moveable seating

  • Wall space

  • Breakout spaces

Unlock Materials Required

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