15% Solutions is a Liberating Structure designed to help groups identify practical and feasible steps to address a challenge or problem. It focuses on taking small, manageable actions to make incremental improvements. Here’s an elaboration on 15% Solutions, including how to facilitate it, when to use it, its advantages, and expected outcomes.

How to Facilitate 15% Solutions:

1. Preparation: The facilitator introduces the concept of 15% Solutions and explains its purpose. Participants are informed that the goal is to identify and commit to actions that can lead to a 15% improvement in the current situation.
2. Clarifying the Challenge: The group discusses and clarifies the specific challenge or problem they want to address. This could be related to a project, process, or any area that needs improvement.
3. Generating Ideas: Participants are invited to brainstorm and share practical actions or changes that can contribute to a 15% improvement in the current state. These ideas should be realistic and feasible.
4. Prioritization: The group discusses the generated ideas and collectively selects one or more actions that they believe will lead to the desired improvement. These should be actionable steps.
5. Commitment: Participants commit to taking ownership of the selected actions. Each person or sub-group agrees to implement the chosen solutions within a specified timeframe.
6. Documentation: The chosen solutions and commitments are documented and shared with the group to ensure transparency and accountability.

When to Facilitate 15% Solutions: 15% Solutions is applicable in various scenarios, including:

• Continuous Improvement: It can be used in situations where teams or organizations are focused on making incremental improvements over time.
• Problem-Solving: When there is a specific challenge or problem that requires practical solutions.
• Project Planning: In project management, teams can use 15% Solutions to identify small but impactful steps to enhance project outcomes.
• Innovation: It’s also effective in promoting innovative thinking by encouraging teams to come up with practical ideas.

Advantages:

1. Action-Oriented: 15% Solutions emphasize taking concrete actions, which can lead to measurable improvements.
2. Feasibility: The approach focuses on solutions that are realistic and achievable within the current context.
3. Incremental Progress: By taking small steps, teams can steadily make progress and build momentum.
4. Empowerment: Participants take ownership of the solutions they commit to, fostering a sense of empowerment and accountability.

Expected Outcomes: The outcomes of a 15% Solutions session may include:

• Actionable Steps: The identification of practical and specific actions that can lead to improvements.
• Incremental Progress: Teams start making progress towards their goals, even if it’s in small steps.
• Empowerment: Participants feel empowered to contribute to the solution and take ownership of their commitments.
• Improved Problem-Solving: 15% Solutions promote creative and effective problem-solving within the group.
• Collaboration: The process encourages collaboration and shared responsibility for change.

In summary, 15% Solutions is a Liberating Structure that encourages practical and achievable steps to address challenges or problems. It’s a powerful tool for fostering incremental progress, empowerment, and collaboration among participants, making it a valuable approach for continuous improvement and problem-solving.