15% Solution

For activity instructions, go to liberatingstructures.com →

This is a deceptively simple solution generation activity with group accountability built into it.

In practice

The structure allows for us to think alone, together, for the benefit of the whole group. What’s interesting is that once you’ve taken action on your solution, there is already an audience - ideally, a recipient of the value created - who is aware of the intent behind it. A bit of ownership over the solution has already been established, since they played a role in its conception. That kicks off a positive reinforcement loop, and everyone does it for everyone else’s efforts, too.

It is all so powerful. It’s the responsibility of a facilitator to lay groundwork in the workshop for the work to continue, and 15% Solutions allows for that to happen naturally.

Workshop design notes

Coming up with a 15% solution is making a commitment to yourself and your group. I think each solution is best captured as a written document, one that’s made accessible to everyone after the workshop if they’re part of the same project or team.

There should also be a consensus on how to build a feedback loop for someone/everyone to check whether things are working or not. If participants are part of the same project or team, the loop can be designed to be conducted at the collective level. If not, consider a solo activity to write down “how will I know if I’ve succeeded?” as a promise to yourself.

This entry is part of Liberating Structures Field Notes, my collection of stories and reflections from the field. It's written for people who already know LS and are deepening their practice. If you're just getting started and looking for activity instructions, you'll find them at liberatingstructures.com..