Solution Prioritization

What participants gain

• Participants will be able to brainstorm a diverse range of potential solutions.
• Participants will be able to prioritize solutions based on their potential impact and feasibility.
• Participants will develop a sense of ownership and commitment to implementing the chosen solutions.

Materials needed

• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers
• Post-it notes (various colors)
• Impact/Effort Matrix template
• Dot stickers or virtual voting tool

How to run Solution Prioritization, step by step

1. Introduce the activity and its purpose: to brainstorm and prioritize potential solutions (5 min).
2. Individually, participants brainstorm potential solutions to address the identified root causes (10 min).
3. Share the solutions and place them on an Impact/Effort Matrix (10 min).
4. Use dot voting or a similar method to prioritize the solutions (5 min).
5. Discuss the rationale behind the prioritization decisions and identify the top solutions to implement (5 min).
6. Ensure all members are listened to and provide space for all contributions.
7. Encourage active listening during the session.
8. Encourage the team to be as open and honest as possible to make the session as fruitful as possible.
9. Ensure all members have access to the collective timeline after the session.

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to think creatively and generate a wide range of potential solutions.
• Use a visual impact/effort matrix to help the team prioritize solutions based on their potential impact and feasibility.
• Remind participants to consider the resources and constraints that will affect the implementation of each solution.
• Facilitate a discussion to ensure that everyone understands the rationale behind the prioritization decisions.
• Actively manage the energy in the room and take breaks as needed.

Common challenges

• Participants struggle to generate creative solutions: Provide examples and prompts to stimulate their thinking.
• The discussion becomes dominated by a few individuals: Use a round-robin approach to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
• Participants disagree on the prioritization of solutions: Facilitate a constructive discussion and encourage them to find common ground.
• The team gets stuck in analysis paralysis: Set a time limit for the prioritization process and move on.

Running it virtually

Use a virtual whiteboard with a pre-defined impact/effort matrix, allowing participants to collaboratively brainstorm solutions and then drag-and-drop them into the appropriate quadrant. Utilize dot voting features to allow participants to vote on their preferred solutions.

Expected results

A prioritized list of potential solutions, a shared understanding of the rationale behind the prioritization decisions, and a sense of ownership and commitment to implementing the chosen solutions.

Build a session around Solution Prioritization

METODIC drops Solution Prioritization into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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