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Workshop Framework

Options Framework

The Options Framework is a structured brainstorming technique you can use with groups of up to 7 people to get a preferred solution to a difficult problem.

120 minutes
4-7 people
intermediate
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✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants

Options Framework
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What You'll Achieve with the Options Framework Workshop

Real outcomes that transform your team

1

Achieve a consensus on a preferred solution to a challenging problem.

2

Document discussions for later reference and analysis.

3

Clarify and define SMART objectives for the project.

When to Use the Options Framework Workshop

Perfect for these situations and team challenges

When facing a complex problem requiring diverse input and consensus.

Before conducting detailed financial analysis to ensure focused solutions.

How the Options Framework Workshop Works

A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process

1Agree on Current Situation

Participants come together to discuss and agree on the current situation, establishing a shared understanding of the problem at hand.

2Understand the Status Quo

The group defines the 'status quo', outlining what the minimum acceptable outcomes are if no changes are made.

3Agree on Spending Objectives

Define spending objectives, ensuring they meet the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

4Define Desired Outcomes

Participants articulate desired project outcomes, focusing on clear, measurable goals rather than vague statements.

Key Topics Covered in the Options Framework Workshop

options frameworkbrainstorming techniqueproblem solvinggroup decision makingconsensus buildingworkshop facilitationstrategic planning

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4

Generate a range of potential solutions to evaluate.

During team meetings to streamline brainstorming sessions.

In strategic planning sessions to define service delivery options.

To facilitate discussions among stakeholders with differing views.

Team Problems the Options Framework Workshop Solves

Say goodbye to these common team challenges

Difficulty in reaching consensus among team members.

Lack of structured approach to brainstorming solutions.

Inefficient meetings with too much discussion and little action.

Challenges in preparing for detailed economic and financial analysis.

5
Complete the Scope Row

The group starts by filling out the top row (Scope) first, which informs the subsequent rows in the framework.

6Explore Least Ambitious Scope

Participants discuss what the least ambitious scope looks like, marking it as conservative, to identify a baseline approach.

7Explore Most Ambitious Scope

The discussion shifts to envisioning the most ambitious scope, which serves as a stretch goal that inspires greater outcomes.

8Define Intermediate Scope

The group identifies what an intermediate scope would look like, balancing between the conservative and ambitious options.

9Select Preferred Solutions

For each row, participants select a preferred solution and mark it green to indicate their choice.

10Identify Impossible Options

Solutions that are deemed impossible are marked red, helping to eliminate unrealistic options from consideration.

11Mark Remaining Options

The rest of the options are marked yellow based on their ambition level, guiding further discussion and analysis.

12Complete All Rows

The group continues working down each row until all aspects of the framework are addressed, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

13Revisit Decisions

Participants are encouraged to revisit and adjust earlier decisions, allowing for flexibility as new insights arise.

14Write Up the Narrative

Finally, the facilitator documents the narrative of the session, explaining how the group arrived at their decisions for future reference.

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