Hi Martin:
I've done a fair amount of work with clients that are addressing these
sorts of business problems. What has worked really well is exploring the
problems using causal loop diagrams. This approach helps people to look
at problems with a minimum amount of blame or finger-pointing. Causal
loop diagrams also lead people to look for patterns within their work
system instead of simple linear causes. As a result, more of the full
complexity of a problem is understood. In the end, your group should be
able to identify better solutions if they have a fuller understanding of
the issue.
If causal loops will be new to them, I'd suggest you start with some
education of them in systems thinking and causal loops. Then I'd
facilitate construction of diagrams with them. When they feel
comfortable, you can let them get into smaller groups to work on issues.
Jason Smith
jsmith@quantumsolutions.on.ca (work)
pax@passport.ca (personal)
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." - Yogi Berra
--"Jason Smith" <jsmith@quantumsolutions.on.ca>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>