Facilitation Technique Number 14: Quick Fix Technique

 

This technique is used when Quick Fixes to problems are needed. The goal is to find workable and implementable solutions. For a given problem, a group member brainstorms a simple solution. Once it is agreed that the solution "might be workable" the question then becomes "what is a simpler solution?"

Ideas again are brainstormed until a proposed quick fix is derived. This process is repeated until the group agrees that the simplest "quick fix" has been found.

 

Several rules may apply when using the Quick Fix technique.

  1. Make sure all areas affected by the problem/opportunity are represented.
  2. The problem/opportunity must be under the control of the group making the decision/ recommendation.
  3. A limit may be set for time or money invested. For example, a problem may not be worth an all-day meeting with involves ten staff members. Or, a financial limit may apply - this problem isn't worth solving if it costs more than $3,000. These limits should be discussed and established up front.

 

How it Works;

·   Step 1:    The problem is discussed and articulated by the group. The facilitator insures that a well defined problem is documented.

·   Step 2:    A quick fix is proposed. The group determines if the quick fix will work. Discussion should include such topics as 'is this consistent with organizational policy, practice or approach.' For example, discontinuing telephone support is not a realistic solution to lowering help center costs - even though it would work, it would cause serious customer satisfaction problems.

·   Step 3:    The next question is asked. "Is there a simpler solution than this one?" Again, the group discusses and determines viability.

·   Step 4:    The process is repeated until the best "simplest' solution is obtained.

 

Example:

The problem is that delivery of reports via distribution is too slow. A faster method must be found.  Currently, reports are distributed from computer operations twice a day in output bins.

• Quick Fix #1: Distribute the reports more times per day - say hourly.

• Quick Fix #2: Put printers in the departments and print the reports on demand.

• Quick Fix #3: Distribute output via e-mail.

• Quick Fix #4: Give everyone printers at their desks thus permitting desk side

                        printing.

• Quick Fix #5: Eliminate all unnecessary reports.

 

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