Solved!

Imagine a problem solved to reveal what is really blocking you.

We ask participants to imagine they could solve a key business problem, just by clicking their fingers. What would they solve and what difference would it make? This can reveal perceived blocks to progress, and provokes fresh thinking.

Type
Discussion
Time
30 minutes
Group size
4-12 people
Best as
Group discussion
In depth

A little more detail.

Three people discussing colorful sticky notes on a transparent board in a teamwork session.

Sometimes we imagine barriers to progress that don't exist - conveniently putting off a key decision or action because another element is in the way. By imagining the removal of these barriers, we can see the benefits of moving forwards.

This activity can work in a group discussion, or in smaller breakout groups.

Outcomes

What you'll leave with.

Illustration of two people with orange backpacks viewed from behind, looking sideways and smiling.
BRIEF Facilitation notes

How to run it.

When to use it

Use Solved! to reveal the barriers a team imagines but does not truly face. Picturing a key problem solved at the click of a finger surfaces the perceived blocks to progress and provokes fresh thinking about moving forward.

Illustration of a woman with orange hair holding a tablet and giving a thumbs up.

Use it when

  • A team feels stuck behind barriers that may not be real.
  • You want to reframe a problem and see the upside of progress.
  • Decisions are being deferred because something else seems in the way.

Not the right tool when

  • People each have different individual problems. Use Problem Swap.
  • You are ready to plan concrete actions. Use Team To-Do List.
Used in

Workshops that feature this tool.

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Use it with your team

This tool works best in a well-facilitated room.

Using this tool with a skilled facilitator means that discussions are focused, time is used efficiently, and the group moves toward consensus, making the session productive and impactful.