Solutions Focus Approach
Solutions Focus is a highly effective and positive approach to change that has been gaining ground within the business world for over 15 years. The approach was first developed in a family therapy context, where Solutions Focus Brief therapy (SFBT) has proved extremely helpful in dealing with complex issues involving people and relationships for many years. Through pioneering work in the UK and internationally, the essence of this approach has been adapted for use in organisations. It has been applied successfully innumerable times in large scale organisational change, with teams and in individual coaching contexts.
The approach is based on simplicity and building on what works. Whilst it may be simple it is not simplistic. As people get to know the approach, they realize that it is:
The approach is based on simplicity and building on what works. Whilst it may be simple it is not simplistic. As people get to know the approach, they realize that it is:
- A great way to find positive actions
- A subtle skill with language, capable of delicate deployment in the most challenging situations
- A shift in the way we work with, and speak about people
When organisations recognise the need to change they will often be drawn to a classic “problem solving approach”, analysing the “problem” in detail, working on the “root cause” and creating a detailed plan of remedial actions. This can work when fixing things but when dealing with people is often less than helpful. Focusing on the problem at best only tells you what you don’t want and at worst builds up the problem, reinforcing the view that change is too hard.
A shift from problem to solution focusIn my experience rather than spending valuable time and energy becoming an expert in the problem, it is far more productive to focus directly on the solution and look for ways to progress towards that.
I work in partnership with those who need to make the changes happen. Using a flexible toolkit of useful questions and activities to help them: really understand, define and pinpoint the attributes of what is wanted in the future; spot and harness the things that are already working in the direction of the solution; build on personal and organisational resources; and commit to practical and achievable next steps. This approach has generated amazing progress in many cases where the situation seemed stuck and the problems insurmountable. I initially trained in the use of Solutions Focus with Dr Mark McKergow and Paul Z Jackson, later completing the SFwork Solutions Focus Professional training Programme. I have attended SOL World international conferences and am a member of Solutions Focus in Organisations (SFiO), an international community dedicated to research and continuous development of the approach. If you are interested in the approach and want to discuss it further please do contact me.... |
Useful referencesPublications The Solution Focus - making Coaching & Change SIMPLE Paul Z Jackson & Mark McKergow Published by Nicolas Brealey International second edition published 2007 Team Coaching with the Solution Circle- a practical guide to Solutions Focused team Development Daniel Meier, Solutions Focus at Work Series, Published in the UK by Solutions books (2005) Originally published in Germany in 2004 By SolutionSurfers Solutions Focus Working: 80 real life lessons for successful organisational change. Mark McKergow and Jenny Clarke, Solutions Focus at Work Series, Solutions books (2007) Websites www.SFiO.org - Solution Focus in Organisations www.Solworld.org - SOLWorld - Sharing and building Solution Focused practice in organisations. |
"Change is happening all the time, our role is to identify useful change and amplify it"
Gregory Bateson
Gregory Bateson
