In
problem solving, we repeatedly Diverge, to identify a wide range of new
possibilities, then Converge to home in on the one we feel is the most
promising. In Exploration, we are diverging as much as possible in order
to consider as many variables as possible, hoping to discover the forces
that are at work so that we can take control of them and tweak them to
our advantage. Exploration involves asking and answering questions such
as:
WHO?(the
human dimension)
Might help us solve this problem?
Has had experience with this kind of thing?
Is affected most by the problem?
Stands to lose/gain the most from the situaition?
Knows something we don’t know about it?
Is causing it?
WHEN? (the time dimension)
Did the problem start?
Did we become aware of it?
Is it worst/best? – are there seasonal factors?
Must it be solved by?
Exactly does it occur?
WHERE?
(the physical space dimension)
Did it begin?
Is it worst? – Is there a pattern?
Has this kind of problem been solved before?
Does it impinge of profits and efficiency?
Is the real heart of the problem?
WHAt?
(exploring cause and effect)
Is really happening, in detail?
Is wrong, specifically?
Factors are causing it and making it worse?
Factors might be working together, in synergy?
Factors are restraining it?
Is the chain of cause and effect?
Would we like to happen?
Would be the ideal solution?
Makes it worse sometimes than other?
Are our feelings about the problem?
Else do we need to know to solve the problem?
What needs are not being fulfilled at this level?
What higher need is not being fulfilled?
Alternative means are there of fulfilling the higher needs?
WHY?
(also exploring cause and effect)
Must we solve it , supposing we cannot?
Is it hurting so much?
Does it actually happen?
Is it important?
Can’t we solve it very quickly?
HOW?
Does it affect us?
Did it get started?
Bad is it really?
Can other people solve it for us – customers, friends, employees,
etc.?
Can we get rid of it?
Does it grow?
Summarize
the problem in the form: “What is wrong is that . . . “
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