About the author
Acknowledgements
Introduction
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Part 1 - Which tools to use and when
Tools for broad problem areas Â
Tools for specific problems
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Part 2 - Problem solving essentials Â
Barriers to problem solving
Framing a problem
Stages in problem solving
Preparation for group problem solving Â
Equipment needed
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Part 3 - Problem solving techniques for individuals and small groups Â
1.   Force field analysis and graphical force field analysis Â
2. Â Â Tough questions
3. Â Â Ritual dissent (and ritual assent)
4. Â Â Brain-friendly brainstorming
5. Â Â Reverse brainstormingÂ
6. Â Â Procrastination
7.   Cartesian logic Â
8.   Brainwriting Â
9. Â Â Individual and collective mind mappingÂ
10. Structured walkthroughs Â
11. Life through a lens Â
12. Nominal group technique
13. GROW for problem-solving
14. Head/Heart-Push/Pull Â
15. Osborne-Parnes critical problem solving process
16. Appreciative inquiry
17. Competitive ideas Â
18. Why not?
19. MUSE
20. Ishikawa fishbone diagrams Â
21. Deming’s PDSA Cycle (The ‘Shewhart Cycle’)
22. 3D stakeholder mapping
23. Two words technique
24. The association grid Â
25. Delphi technique
26. Lotus blossom technique
27. Photographic associations
28. Random word technique Â
29. Challenging assumptions Â
30. Metaphorical problem-solving Â
31. Who else has solved this problem?
32. How-How?
33. The 5 Whys/Question Everything
34. Jelly Baby TreeÂ
35. Future shock
36. What if?
37. What if we didn’t? Â
38. Reframing Â
39. Ripple effect (systems thinking)
40. What I need from you Â
41. Concentration diagrams
42. Pareto analysis – simplified version
43. Solution effect analysis
44. The work map Â
45. Competing values framework
46. Timelining Â
47. One question
48. Peer assist
49. Action learningÂ
50. Story circles Â
51. Swim Lane diagrams (Rummler-Brache diagrams)
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Part 4 - Large group problem solving techniques
52. Crawford’s SlipÂ
53. Charrette Procedure
54. Starbursting
55. Open spaceÂ
56. World café
57. Pro-action cafe
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Part 5 - Problem solving business games
When and how to use business gamesÂ
58. Retirement speeches
59. Convince me
60. Evolution
61. It’s in the news
62. The trial
63. Tortoise and hare
64. Art gallery Â
65. Proverbial problem solving
66. There are no rules Â
67. Documentary
68. Pitch Perfect
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Part 6 – Sharing and implementing solutions
Sharing solutions Â
 Implementing solutions Â