Problem-solving workshops help teams diagnose root causes, generate solutions, and align on the best path forward. These 29+ methods guide you from problem framing to concrete action.
Stop applying solutions to symptoms. These methods help teams find — and fix — the real problem.
Plan your problem-solving workshopEffective problem-solving workshops move through five phases — from reframing the challenge to concrete next steps.
Phase 1
Opening (9:00–10:00)
Define the problem before rushing to solutions. A well-framed problem is already half-solved — and the wrong problem framing leads to wrong solutions.
Phase 2
Morning (10:00–12:00)
Dig beneath the symptoms to find the real causes. Good root cause analysis prevents the same problem from recurring.
Phase 3
Afternoon (13:00–14:30)
Generate a range of possible solutions without judgment. Explore multiple angles before committing to one path.
Phase 4
Late Afternoon (14:30–16:00)
Assess solutions against impact, feasibility, and effort. Narrow down to the best options with structured evaluation tools.
Phase 5
Closing (16:00–17:00)
Translate decisions into specific actions with owners and deadlines. The best workshops end with a clear next step, not a vague intention.
Organized by purpose. Click any method to see full instructions, tips, and facilitation guidance.
This engaging activity encourages participants to share their fears and uncertainties related to the program theme. B…
This activity encourages participants to identify and explore positive reactions to everyday annoyances. It highlight…
Help Me Understand facilitates open communication between employees and leadership by allowing team members to expres…
Choose your words wisely is a method that uses the Semantic Environment Canvas to explore and understand the language…
The Coriolis Effect is a dynamic team exercise focused on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It chall…
In the Breaking News activity, participants analyze assumptions and implications of a specific theory after preparing…
The 5 Whys method helps teams uncover the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking 'why?' This technique encourag…
Developed by Kaoru Ishikawa, this diagram visualises the causes of a problem in a structured fishbone shape. The prob…
A systems thinking tool for mapping the feedback loops, delays, and relationships between variables in a complex syst…
The Argument Map method facilitates structured debate by organizing arguments for and against a topic in a visual for…
The Agreement-Certainty Matching Matrix helps teams classify challenges as simple, complicated, complex, or chaotic. …
Force Field Analysis is a structured method for evaluating the factors that drive or hinder a proposed change within …
15% Solutions is a method that encourages participants to identify and act on small, immediate actions within their c…
Flip It is a problem-solving method that encourages participants to transform negative perspectives into positive out…
A five-day intensive framework developed at Google Ventures by Jake Knapp. Each day has a specific focus: Map (unders…
The How-Now-Wow Matrix is a convergence tool that helps teams evaluate and prioritize ideas by assessing their origin…
Bang is a lively game that encourages quick reactions and brings laughter to the group. Participants stand in a circl…
This method focuses on understanding and enhancing client-centricity within an organization. Participants will collab…
A design research tool for creating realistic, composite representations of key user groups based on research data. A…
A prioritisation game developed by Luke Hohmann where participants spend a limited budget of play money to 'buy' feat…
The Impact & Effort Matrix is a decision-making tool that helps teams evaluate and prioritize ideas based on their po…
The Impact & Effort Matrix is a decision-making tool that helps teams prioritize tasks by balancing strategic and tac…
Bang-for-the-Buck is a collaborative prioritization tool used by product managers and development teams to evaluate a…
The '35' method is designed to quickly prioritize ideas or items through a structured, pair-based ranking system. It …
Do, Redo & Undo is a method that encourages teams to plan for potential mistakes and changes in their projects by con…
Created by Alberto Brandolini, Event Storming is a collaborative modelling workshop that brings together developers a…
Challenge Cards is a problem-solving method designed to identify and address potential challenges in products, servic…
Participants engage in a dialogue while assuming the perspectives of various stakeholders with conflicting interests.…
The Wellbeing North Star method helps teams identify areas of improvement by evaluating what they like and dislike ab…
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