Collaborative Problem-Solving Checklist

Preparation

I have determined if collaboration is appropriate for this problem

I have identified the right participants with diverse perspectives

I have clearly defined the problem or challenge

I have gathered relevant background information to share

I have selected appropriate collaborative techniques

I have prepared necessary materials and tools

I have arranged an appropriate physical or virtual space

I have scheduled adequate time for the collaborative process

Establishing Psychological Safety

I have explicitly valued diverse perspectives

I have established ground rules for constructive interaction

I have separated idea generation from evaluation

I have modeled constructive response to ideas

I have created a judgment-free environment

I have addressed any counterproductive behaviors promptly

I have acknowledged that mistakes are part of the process

Designing for Equal Participation

I have planned for round-robin sharing

I have incorporated silent writing before speaking

I have created small breakout groups when appropriate

I have considered digital tools for anonymous input

I have prepared strategies to invite quiet members to contribute

I have planned how to manage dominant voices

I have created structures that ensure all voices are heard

Structured Brainwriting

I have prepared a clear problem statement

I have provided each participant with space for recording ideas

I have set a time limit for silent individual ideation

I have planned for participants to build on each other’s ideas

I have arranged for collection and review of all ideas

I have prepared a method for clustering related ideas

I have planned how to select promising ideas for development

Nominal Group Technique

I have prepared a clear problem statement

I have planned for silent individual ideation

I have arranged for round-robin sharing of ideas

I have prepared a visible method to record all ideas

I have scheduled time for clarification discussion

I have designed a voting process to prioritize ideas

I have prepared a method to tally votes and identify priorities

World Café Method

I have identified different aspects of the problem for each table

I have arranged small tables with 4-5 chairs each

I have planned discussion rounds (typically 15-20 minutes)

I have assigned or selected table hosts to remain at each table

I have prepared hosts to summarize previous discussions

I have planned how participants will rotate between tables

I have scheduled time for key insights to be shared with everyone

Six Thinking Hats

I have prepared to guide the group through each thinking mode:

White Hat: Facts and information

Red Hat: Emotions and intuitions

Black Hat: Risks and potential problems

Yellow Hat: Benefits and opportunities

Green Hat: Creative ideas and alternatives

Blue Hat: Process management and conclusions

I have planned sufficient time for each perspective

I have prepared a method to record insights from each mode

I have determined the most useful sequence of hats for this problem

Stepladder Technique

I have prepared a clear problem statement for the entire group

I have planned how to start with just two members discussing

I have arranged for additional members to enter one by one

I have prepared instructions for each person to share ideas before hearing the group’s discussion

I have scheduled sufficient time for integration of perspectives

I have planned how the full group will work toward a final decision

Collaborative Prototyping

I have prepared materials for creating physical representations

I have planned how to divide into small teams

I have set a time limit for building prototypes

I have scheduled time for teams to present their prototypes

I have prepared a method to identify promising elements from each

I have planned how to create hybrid solutions

I have scheduled additional prototyping rounds for refinement

Managing Group Energy

I have planned to alternate between divergent and convergent thinking

I have scheduled breaks at appropriate intervals

I have prepared varied activities to maintain engagement

I have developed strategies to adjust pace based on group energy

I have planned to end sessions with clear next steps

I have prepared methods to celebrate accomplishments

Capturing and Organizing Information

I have arranged for visual recording on whiteboards or shared screens

I have assigned a dedicated note-taker

I have prepared to photograph physical artifacts

I have planned how to organize ideas into categories

I have prepared templates for summary documents

I have determined how documentation will be shared after the session

Navigating Conflict Productively

I have prepared to distinguish between idea critique and personal criticism

I have planned to encourage “Yes, and…” rather than “Yes, but…”

I have developed strategies to focus on interests rather than positions

I have prepared to explicitly value both advocacy and inquiry

I have created processes for resolving genuine disagreements

I have planned how to take breaks if emotions run high

Remote/Hybrid Collaboration Considerations

I have selected appropriate digital collaboration tools

I have tested the technology in advance

I have planned how to ensure equal visibility for remote participants

I have prepared strategies for inclusive participation across locations

I have considered time zone differences in scheduling

I have developed methods to maintain engagement in virtual settings

I have planned for technical difficulties

Follow-Through

I have scheduled time to end with clear action items and owners

I have prepared templates for documenting decisions and rationale

I have planned implementation check-ins

I have developed accountability mechanisms

I have prepared methods to celebrate progress and completion

I have planned how to communicate outcomes to stakeholders

I have scheduled time to reflect on the collaborative process itself

Reflection and Learning

I have planned to document which collaborative techniques were most effective

I have prepared to note challenges encountered and how they were addressed

I have scheduled time to gather participant feedback on the process

I have developed methods to identify improvements for future sessions

I have planned how to share learnings with others

I have prepared to acknowledge and celebrate collaborative contributions

collaborative_problem_solving_checklist