Tools

Tool	Description	Video
5 Whys	Five whys as the name implies is asking why continually until we get to the root of the problem.
Appreciative Inquiry	Appreciative Inquiry is an approach that focuses on identifying what is working well, analyzing why it is working well and then doing more of it.
Benchmarking	Benchmarking is defined as the process of measuring products, services, and processes against those of organizations known to be leaders in one or more aspects of their operations.
Brain Storming / Brain Writing	Brain Storming is a process where participants share ideas on a topic. Al ideas are recorded without judgement. The challenge with brainstorming is strong personalities can dominate the conversation. Brain Writing mimics Brain Storming in every way except participants write their ideas instead of shouting them out.
Cause and Effect Analysis	A cause and effect diagram examines why something happened or might happen by organizing potential causes into smaller categories.
Fishbone	A fishbone diagram is a visual way to look at cause and effect. … The problem or effect is displayed at the head or mouth of the fish.
Focus Groups	A focus group is a small, diverse group brought together to test an idea or a concept.
Force Field Analysis	Force Field Analysis is that situations try to maintained equilibrium. Particularly, between forces for change and forces that resist change.
Innovation	Innovation is the creation, development and implementation of a new product.
Interviews	Interviews are used to collect data from individuals. Interviews can be structured or unstructured. Structured interviews are comparable to a questionnaire, with the same questions in the same order for each individual.
Lean Six Sigma	Lean Six Sigma is a method that relies on a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and reducing variation.
Mind Mapping	A mind map allows you to organize tasks, words, concepts, or items by diagraming them around a central concept or subject. Colors and sub-concepts are used to organize thoughts.
Prototyping	A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process.
Root Cause Analysis	Root Cause Analysis looks for the underlying issues that caused the problem.
Six Hats	View challenges from 6 perspectives. 1) The White Hat calls for information known or needed. “The facts, just the facts.” 2) The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit. 3) The Black Hat is judgment – the devil’s advocate or why something may not work. Spot the difficulties and dangers; where things might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful of the Hats but a problem if overused. 4) The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates. 5) The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It’s an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions. 6) The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It’s the control mechanism that ensures the Six Thinking Hats® guidelines are observed.