Structured Thought Processes…

Structured Thought Processes…

I’ve noticed that a weakness Facilitators and those running meetings have in common is poor process skills.? They all deal with people issues, but they all struggle defining a clear, thought process for the group to follow. ?I’m talking about processes that help structure the thinking of a group so that they can make effective decisions to ensure well thought-out solutions.

How often have you been in a meeting where people work together well, but can’t get from point A to point B when making decisions?? It isn’t because they can’t decide.? It’s because something is missing – a structured thought process.?

Process Skills are Misunderstood

People make the mistake of thinking that process relates to business procedures.? Process is a way of organizing thoughts, ensuring that the needed structure is there for decision-making, problem solving, etc.? Too often, groups jump ahead to solutions without defining the problem, so they struggle because they don’t share a common goal. ?This is a process issue.

Structured Thought Processes

When designing a workshop or meeting agenda consider the following to create a well-thought-out structured thought-process for the attendees to follow.

Structured Thought Processes organize the thoughts of the participants enabling them to methodically think through a problem,decide, prioritize a list, etc.? These help without missing crucial components, such as “Overall Goal”.? Some basic structured thought processes are:

For Problem-Solving:

  • Symptoms --> Causes --> Solutions
  • Problem Statement --> Objectives --> Solutions --> Select Solution
  • What is happening? --> What are the problems or missed opportunities? --> What will we do? (see Classic Problem-Solving)

For Setting Direction:

  • Vision --> Goals --> Objectives --> Tactics
  • Why --> Where --> How --> When

For Defining Actions:

  • What --> Who --> When
  • What are we Doing --> What are the Barriers --> What do we want to Accomplish --> How do we get There
  • Overall Goal --> Steps to reach Goal --> Sequence of Steps

Questions to Consider…

The following questions will help think through the process to ensure a well-thought-out structured thought process. ?Structured thought processes build top-down, i.e., they begin with a broad understanding and delve into the details.

Is the group disagreeing about Objectives?

  • Yes – have them define the Overall Goal.

Is the group disagreeing about Criteria?

  • Yes – have them define a clear Objective.

Is the group disagreeing about which is first, second, etc.?

  • Yes – have them agree on the end result – the Outcome.

Is the group stuck on how to solve a problem?

  • Yes – have them agree on a clear Problem Statement.

Is the group disagreeing about Priorities?

  • Yes – have them define the Overall Goal or Objective.

Process Skills are Crucial

Process Skills are important. ?Without process skills, Facilitators and leaders cannot guide groups – groups struggle and break down making win-win difficult at best.


What are your thoughts about structured thinking?

?

Adriana Páez Pino

Inteligencia Artificial en el Trabajo | Divulgadora de IA | Mentora Profesional | Diversidad y Género en STEM

4 个月

Gary, tu análisis sobre la importancia del pensamiento estructurado en reuniones y talleres es muy acertado. Estas habilidades son clave para que los equipos trabajen de manera lógica, compartan un objetivo común y avancen sin atascos. Tus ejemplos de procesos, como?"Síntomas --> Causas --> Soluciones", ofrecen modelos prácticos para guiar las decisiones. Estructurar el pensamiento en equipo realmente eleva la efectividad de las sesiones.

Emilio Planas

Strategic thinker and board advisor shaping alliances and innovation to deliver real-world impact, influence, and economic value.

4 个月

Gary, your article sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of effective facilitation: the importance of structured thought processes. Your breakdown of clear, methodical approaches for problem-solving and decision-making is invaluable for keeping groups aligned and productive. One additional insight could be the role of adaptability within these structured processes. Facilitators who remain flexible and responsive to group dynamics can guide discussions back to structured frameworks when needed, without stifling creativity. This balance between structure and adaptability enables a more resilient decision-making process. Thank you for highlighting these crucial skills that transform facilitation into a true art form!

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