Productive Thinking Model
The Productive Thinking Model is a structured, six-step approach to creative problem-solving. It guides teams to deeply understand a problem, define success, generate solutions, and align resources for effective implementation.
Use this method when a team is stuck in unproductive problem-solving cycles or needs a structured approach to generate innovative solutions for a well-defined problem.
Solves: Lack of creative ideas, unfocused problem-solving, difficulty aligning resources
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Step 1: Ask "What's going on?" (15 min) - Facilitate a discussion to thoroughly understand the problem, its impact, and the desired future state (Target Future). Document all answers.
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Step 2: Ask "What's success?" (15 min) - Use the DRIVE framework (Do, Restrictions, Invest, Values, Essential Outcomes) to define clear success criteria for the solution. Cycle through the questions until a clear vision of success emerges.
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Step 3: Ask "What's the question?" (10 min) - Formulate "catalytic questions" (e.g., "How might we...?") that, when answered, will lead to achieving the Target Future. Use the information gathered in previous steps.
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Step 4: Generate answers (20 min) - Brainstorm as many answers to the catalytic questions as possible. Encourage wild ideas and defer judgment.
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Step 5: Forge the solution (20 min) - Evaluate each potential solution against the success criteria defined in Step 2. Use a decision matrix to aid in the selection process. Refine the chosen solution(s) to further improve its fit with the success criteria.
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Step 6: Align resources (20 min) - Develop a detailed action plan, specifying the actions, resources, and responsible parties required to execute the solution.
- Ensure the problem is well-defined before starting the process.
- Encourage diverse perspectives during the brainstorming phase.
- Keep the team focused on the success criteria during solution evaluation.
- Use different brainstorming techniques in Step 4.
- Adapt the DRIVE framework to fit the specific context.
- Incorporate visual aids to represent the problem and potential solutions.