This tool is designed to collect and prioritise problems. The procedure facilitates the common goal finding and innovation process. The idea of this method is to look for the goals which are behind problems and situations that are not satisfactory. Targeting the goals automatically leads to change and innovation processes.

Here is the cycle of this method:

1. Collection of Problems

Participants collect in small groups all the problems that they identify. The next step is to brainstorm ideas on the basis of  quantity before quality and no discussion/no solutions.

Example

2. Translation of the Problems to corresponding Goals

Now the group has to find the Goals behind the problems. It helps the generate a HOW-question: How can we reach a certain goal? HOW can we make something better?

3. Presentation and prioritisation of the results in the plenum

If there are more small groups paricipating, the results from all groups are presented. In the next step, the group has to discuss the goals on which the group wants to concentrate.
 

Different methods of facilitation (clustering, special voting systems) can help. The choice of the right “HOW-question” leads automatically to a change and innovation process.

Source: Rohm, Change-Tools, Bonn, 2006