Understand Phase Fact
Finding
A method for gathering facts about a “fuzzy problem”, building deeper insight into our challenge and gaining alignment by asking and answering a series of questions.
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When would you use Fact Finding?
Fact finding is best used at the outset of any problem finding event. It provides a baseline of key facts that enable a preliminary understanding of a problem and/or client situation.
Here’s where Fact Finding can be a difference maker:
- You are given a challenge to solve and you are not sure of all the “facts”
- You need to ensure team alignment and there’s multiple conflicting perspectives
- You need to align on a strategy at an executive offsite
How does Fact Finding work?
- 1
Select relevant starter questions from question categories
- 2
List an expansive array of facts to address each question
- 3
Group the facts and identify potential themes
- 4
Discuss facts to build understanding and alignment within the group
- 5
Converge on the most compelling themes to deeper explore
Download the full Fact Finding guide
Get access to instructions, templates, a case study, and more
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Deliberate Innovation Fact Finding Tool Guide
Top Fact Finding Tips
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Fact Finding Mindset – Remember this is an expansive exercise – Don’t Judge the Facts -
Beware of assumptions – It’s easy to skip over the facts when we hold a position -
Remove the emotion – It’s easy to have a negative attitude towards a problem -
Search for the Facts – Facilitator should be using open ended question; Participants should be listening and providing concise answers -
Design for the Exercise – Don’t let space constrain the number of facts! -
Capture verbatims – Opinions are OK. Need to source them (e.g., Dan thinks: “The Company is a great place to work.” -
Converging vs. Diverging – In the end, signal that we want to be reductive and think about the facts that were most important – this will help you reshape your challenge.
More Fact Finding Tips & Stories
Storytelling is at the heart of our teaching and is essential for understanding new concepts. Here are some short stories and tips to continue to bring this tool to life.
Additional Understanding Articles & Resources
When Answers Aren’t Enough to Solve Your Business Challenge
Imagine this… The head of your business unit has stormed into your office. And she intones:
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Channel Your Inner Sherlock Holmes: The 5 Habits of an Expert Fact Finder
You See, But You Do Not Observe.” – Sherlock Holmes, A Scandal in Bohemia (1891)
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In Search of Novelty: The Deliberate Use of Metaphors
Now, more than ever, large organizations are trying to keep pace with nimble&
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