5 Solution focused circle

Suggested duration: 25 mins
Technique used: Debate
Materials required: None
Aim of activity:
Underpinning components: UC 6.1, UC 6.2, UC 6.3
Connection with other competences: Attentiveness; Transdisciplinarity

Short description

Group activity. Allocate the following roles:

Problem Presenter (focus person)
Process Facilitator (team manager, time keeper)
Recorder
Amazingly creative Brainstorm Team

Step 1

Problem presenter: outline the problem (something related to sustainability that may have an impact on the group) in 4 uninterrupted minutes
Process facilitator: keep time and make sure no one interrupts
Recorder: take notes.
Everyone else (the brainstormers): listen.

(If the problem presenter stops talking before the 4 minutes elapses, everyone else stays silent until the 4 minutes pass. This is key! The problem presenter gets 4 uninterrupted minutes.)

Step 2 (4 minutes)

Brainstormers: provide creative solutions to what you have just heard. Everyone gets a chance to give their brilliant ideas. No one must be allowed to dominate. (It is not a time to clarify the problem or to ask questions. It is not a time to give speeches, lectures or advice. )
Process facilitator: make sure this is a brainstorm
Problem presenter: listen – without interrupting. Don’t talk or respond.
Recorder: take notes

Step 3 (4 minutes)

Problem presenter: Discuss the issue and suggestions
Process facilitator: keep time
Recorder: take notes

This is time to explore and clarify the problem. Focus on the positive points only and not what can’t be done.

Step 4 (4 minutes)

The First Step.

Problem presenter and the group decide on first steps that are doable within the next 3 days. At least ONE step should be initiated within 24 hours. (This is critical. Research shows that unless a first step is taken almost immediately, people do not get out of their ruts.)
Recorder: take notes

A coach from the group volunteers to phone or see the person within 3 days to check if they took their first step.