1. Choose a Workplace or Industry:

Think about industries you have experience with, either through work, volunteering, or personal observations. You could focus on a specific department within a company, a nonprofit organization, or even a specific area within a broader industry.

2. Identify a Problem:

Look for issues that seem to be recurring, causing inefficiencies, or negatively impacting stakeholders. Consider things like:

• Communication breakdowns
• Lack of clear processes
• Low employee morale
• Unmet customer needs
• Resource limitations
• Safety concerns

3. Define the Scope:

Be specific about the problem you want to address. Is it something you can realistically influence within your role or sphere of influence? Does it have a clear impact on the organization or industry?

4. Build an Affinity Diagram:

Now it’s time to brainstorm!

• Write the problem statement in the center of a large piece of paper.
• Around the center, write down any factors you think contribute to the problem. Don’t censor yourself, just write down everything that comes to mind.
• Once you have a good list, group similar factors together, creating branches radiating from the central problem.
• Under each branch, further explore by listing more specific causes or contributing factors.

5. Analyze and Prioritize:

Look for patterns and themes emerging from your diagram. Identify the root causes that seem most impactful and within your scope of influence.

6. Brainstorm Solutions:

For each root cause, brainstorm potential solutions. Consider feasibility, impact, and resources needed.

7. Develop an Action Plan:

Choose the most promising solution and start planning how to implement it. Consider who needs to be involved, what resources are needed, and how you will measure success.

Remember, this is just a starting point. The specific problem you choose and the solutions you develop will depend on your unique situation and expertise. However, following this process can help you identify opportunities to make a positive impact and be an agent of change within your chosen workplace or industry.