- Problem as Given (PAG) –
An initial statement of the problem. May include some background. The
group may explore various ways of understanding the problem. Explore
ways of stating the problem, start with "How to ...". It may
help to try different verbs or nouns, etc.
- Problem Statement –
The statement of the problem that the group will work on; begin
the statement with "How to ...". The Focuser needs to
provide the statement that is finally to be used.
- Analysis – A
description of the elements and forces of the problem; could be a
history line, a plus (+)/minus (-) list, a Force Field Analysis, a
SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), or any method
that fits the problem being worked on. The Focuser needs to indicate
which elements of the analysis she//he sees as having the most impact.
- Wishes –
Stating hopes, dreams, desires in terms of "I wish ...".
Turning negative aspects into positives; expanding the existing
positives. Wishes move us toward a solution. The Facilitator may need
to invite people to spend time on wishes that go beyond the obvious
– stay with an important element and create a number of wishes
around it, do some "fantasy" wishing with ideas that in
themselves are not realistic but may help our imagination.
- Possible Solutions –
Develop two or three possible solutions. To be a possible solution the
group needs to deal with details, to "flesh" it out. The
Focuser needs to play a strong role by paraphrasing and using itemized
response; Participants need to be responsive to the Focuser’s
concerns and desires. Once the group has developed the possible
solutions:
a. Cost/Benefit the Possible Solutions - what are the
financial, human, social, etc. costs and benefits?
b. Ways to Overcome Costs – identify strategies to
deal with costs.
- Solution Statement –
The Focuser states the solution to be implemented. This may be tested
with others if appropriate.
USE OF NEWSPRINT – Five pads of
newsprint should be hung side by side. Provide headings as follows.
| Problem As
Given (PAG) |
Problem
Statement |
Analysis |
Wishes |
Possible
Solutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you only have space for four pads -
1. The PAG sheet may be initially on top of the Problem Statement sheet
and moved off to the side when the group is ready to make a Problem
Statement.
2. Possible Solution sheets may be moved to the side when the group
needs a pad for "cost/benefit and "ways to overcome
costs".
3. The pads allow the Facilitator to be flexible about receiving input
from the group, e.g., if the group is on Wishes and a Participant adds to
the Analysis it can easily be recorded on that pad; or if the Analysis
begins to suggest a need to change the Problem Statement that can be done.
©Robert A. Gallagher, 1990
| Permission to Use:
You may make
copies of this resource with the conditions that -- 1. the copyright
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