SOLUTIONS IN FOCUS

Finding simple solutions to difficult problems


Steve Trivett using 'Solutions in Focus' in Birmingham City Council

Life and work are so much easier when you know exactly what you want and what you don't want. It was Gregory Bateson who observed that to achieve change you have to:

Find what works and do more of it

Find out what doesn't work and do something different

I use an approach called 'Solutions in Focus' to help service managers and their teams become solution-creators rather than problem-solvers. The approach combines the principles of Appreciative Inquiry and Activity Theory and System Dynamics

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
William James

What does it mean to be Solutions Focused ?
The approach is explained in a book by Paul Jackson and Mark McKergow called The Solutions Focus . I have modified the approach to help individuals, teams and organisations use it to improve their performance, simply by transforming the way they go about finding solutions to problems, especially those that cross functional and organisational boundaries.

It involves adopting a solution focused methodology that includes:

A Problem Statement (where we are now)

A Desired State (when the problem no longer exists)

Measuring the Changes (small actions that can deliver measurable change)

Valuing the Changes (appreciate/recognise the actions taken)

Taking action (what needs to be done - now)

The idea is to cut away superfluous assumptions and perspectives to get at the truth that lies in simple thoughts and actions. It is the perfect antidote to increasing complexity.

Focusing on solutions helps to bridge the knowing-doing gap. Knowing what causes a problem, makes you very knowledgeable about the problem, but delays your ability to find a solution by consuming precious time and resources.

What does 'Solutions in Focus' involve ?
Solutions in Focus uses a CLEAR-FOCUS approach to change. The key behaviours can be summarised as:.

Contributions: taking positive action - journey in hope

Links: accepting the help offered and given by others

Expectations: looking for new ways of doing well at things

Abilities: taking small steps towards a better future

Returns: measuring the difference that made a difference

Facilitates: adopting coaching conversations

Organises: using visioning and systems thinking

Creates: embracing the unknown and the subconscious

Understands: empowering through positive words and thoughts

Supports: exploring alternatives and new possibilities

What are the main ingredients ?
Some of the main features of "Solutions in Focus" are:

What do you want ? Work on the solution, not the problem
Encourage positive talk about solutions (using simple language)
What don't you want ? Use problem talk to get agreement on what's not wanted
Find and involve the customers of change
Imagine a situation devoid of the problem
Use scales to judge progress towards a preferred future
Explore possibilities - from the past, present and future
Take one step at a time - grow by chunking
Keep it simple

Why not give it a try ?
If you or your team are looking for a simple and time effective way to lead real change then all you need is to apply "Solutions in Focus". You will need a facilitator or Change Coach to get you started, but then you can use it yourselves. . A few hours is all you will need to get started. Because it works so well you will want to use it again and again.

Solutions in Focus

Speak to Steve Trivett on 07866-731231 today.