Solution circles – A quick creative problem solving tool for getting unstuck
Who does it involve:
- A supportive group of problem solvers (6-8 people), who are committed to assisting the ‘Problem Presenter’ find solutions.
- A ‘Problem Presenter’ who has a problem to which they are seeking solutions.
- One member of the group who visually records a summary of the discussion (the ‘Graphic recorder’).
- An Educational Psychologist who leads the group through the process (the ‘Process facilitator’).
Time needed:
- 30 minutes. Those who attend will need to commit to staying for the full 30 minutes until the process is completed.
The process:
Solution Circles follow a structured six stage process, with each stage having a time allocation in order for the whole process to be complete in 30 minutes.
- The ‘Problem Presenter’ begins by outlining the problem, whilst the group listens.
- The group are then invited to ask clarification questions.
- Next the group are invited to generate and pose a range of solutions to the ‘Problem Presenter’ who must not respond!
- Then there is the opportunity for a group discussion, to explore and clarify with the ‘Problem Presenter’, which solutions brainstormed might be helpful and to discuss these further.
- The process then concludes with The First Step where the ‘Problem Presenter’ and the group decide on the first steps that are achievable within the next 3 days. It is crucial that at least one step is initiated within 24 hours.
- To finish, the group are asked for their final rounds of words to describe their experience. The ‘Graphic Recorder’ then provides the ‘Problem Presenter’ with the visual record of the discussion.