Different thinking requires different people working together in different ways. Learn the seven steps to collaborative problem solving for your organization. Visit createtheconditions.com for more articles and presentations. if you would like to generate or accelerate your strategy, visit me at iQuestinc.com.

1. CreateTheConditions.com iQuestinc.com 7 Steps to Collaborative Problem Solving Copyright 2009, 2010, 2011

2. You can ’ t solve problems with the same thinking that created them Albert Einstein

3. Many companies patch the problem.

4. Many companies patch the problem. Do you want to fix the problem, or create the conditions so that it won ’ t happen again?

5. Create the conditions for your company to solve problems collaboratively Set the bar high

7. Prioritize all components of the problem by what you can impact Components of the Problem (Examples) Ability to Impact Inadequate market insights High Poor training High Procrastination High Customer confusion High Supplier billing system Medium Data migration Medium Parent company policy Low Budget constraints Low The economy Nil

8. Identify people who contribute knowledge, insights and ideas

10. Use agreed upon criteria to prioritize ideas for development Criteria that allows 50% of all your ideas to pass Criteria that allows 50% of Gate One ideas to pass Criteria that allows only 2-3 of Gate Two ideas to pass i.e. Impact on problem and overall potential i.e. Resources, capabilities and capacity i.e. Speed to implementation and budget 1 2 3

12. Define Expose Converge Inspire Evaluate Act Evolve Learn from the experience Embed these steps in your corporate culture and create the conditions to solve problems collaboratively

13. Different thinking requires different people working together in different ways That ’ s how you create the conditions for successful problem solving

14. CreateTheConditions.com iQuestinc.com Articles and presentations to inspire thinking and accelerate action Morry Patoka [email_address] I would really like to hear what you have to say. Please visit createtheconditions.com to share your comments and questions. If you ’ d like to generate or accelerate your strategy, please visit me at iquestinc.com . Copyright 2009, 2010, 2011