Problem Solving

Problem Solving Assessment (10 minutes) Prior to the workshop, each leader completes this assessment to identify their team’s current capacity for solving challenges together.

Pre-event Consult (30 minutes) The team leader and facilitator review group information, align on outcomes for the event, and discuss other details to ensure a successful program.

Welcome & Warm-Ups (10 minutes) Atlanta Challenge staff welcome participants and set expectations and ground rules for the day’s events.

Opening Activity (20-30 minutes) We jump right into the program with an engaging activity that will encourage the group to talk with each other, test various approaches, and discuss lessons learned.

The Problem-Solving Compass (20-25 minutes) An interactive conversation about the different ways team members approach a problem and how to bring them together more effectively.

Group Problem-Solving Techniques (20-30 minutes) The group explores a spectrum of problem-solving approaches and how to apply them in a team setting effectively. Some of the techniques include:

• Rapid ideation: Write as many ideas as possible in a set time; promotes pure and genuine expression.
• Step ladder technique: Two people brainstorm together, add a third, then a fourth, and so on.
• Group sketching: Take turns drawing something, then pass the sketch to the next person for them to add to the drawing – building a collection of solutions.
• Mind mapping: This technique uses ideas to branch off one another and creates a web of possible solutions.
• Persona storming: Choose a famous figure and discuss how that person would solve the problem.
• Mood board: A collection of words and images that relate to an idea to organize thoughts and stay on topic.

The Problem Solver Lab (30-45 minutes) Each participant identifies a specific problem they are facing, selects an approach for addressing it, and works through the process to develop potential solutions. Afterward, each person shares their strategy with a small group of colleagues who will provide feedback and suggestions.

Final Teamwork Challenge (20-30 minutes) This challenge draws upon the team’s ability to bring together each person’s perspectives and combine them for success. The conversation afterward reviews the problem-solving framework and how it helped the team find a solution.

Closing Debrief & Wrap-up Activity (10 minutes) The group comes together to acknowledge the day’s accomplishments and incorporate lessons into real life. We wrap up with a meaningful closing activity and team picture.

Post-event Consult (30 minutes) The team leader and facilitator review how the group responded to the event and what the leader can do to support the team further.

Virtual Group Follow-up (45-60 minutes) A virtual follow-up session approximately one month after the event to review key concepts, answer questions, discuss best practices, and provide accountability for implementing ideas.