Facilitation & OD Techniques

Activity Network Diagram	This is a technique that presents the steps of the PERT/CPM methods.
Affinity Diagram	This is a basic quality technique for processing data. It is used to process a large number of issues into smaller groups of that can be acted on. It is simpler than the alternative Workshop Method.
Box Plot	This Lean Six Sigma technique is a graphic analysis tool used to show the effect of discrete inputs on continuous Outputs.
Brainstorming	This technique allows a number of people to express their opinions or ideas through structured or unstructured methods.
Cause & Effect Diagram	This graphic technique, aka the Fishbone Diagram, is used to explore and display possible causes to a specific problem.
Charette Procedure	This is a highly interactive technique used with a large group to simultaneously deal with whole while working in small groups on parts of the project.
Checksheet	This technique is used to determine how many times something occurs often used to detect patterns.
CTQC Tree Diagram	This Lean Six Sigma Technique is used to show specific tasks that are required to reach a goal. (See Tree Diagram)
Donut Priorities	This technique is used for organizing potential actions into priorities based on three types of lists.
Dot Polling	This is a group polling process using self adhesive dots to poll the group. This technique is simpler than Multi-Voting and Nominal Group Technique and is used with a large number of issues or options to reduce the field of choices.
Flow Chart	This is a graphic representation of the process depicting the steps and decision points using standardized symbology.
Flow Chart - Deployment	This is a charting technique that organizes the steps of a process by functions, participants or organizational roles involved.
Force Field Analysis	This is a technique that visually presents possible forces driving or preventing/restraining a change.
Force Field Analysis 2	This is a similar, yet alternative, method of conducting a Force Field Analysis with a group that identifies driving and restraining forces and assigns a relative strength to these forces to help determine if the change effort can succeed or if additional action is required.
Gives and Gets	This is a matrix approach that clarifies specific understandings and agreements made between groups or organizations in meetings.
Group Discussion frameworks	This paper explores three group discussion frameworks commonly used by group facilitators.
Hi/Low Priorities	This is a graphic technique for organizing potential actions into priorities based on how important they are and when they should be done. Used with a sticky wall or graphic template.
Histogram	This is a basic quality technique for displaying measurement data in a way that shows the range of deviation and variation for the point of measurement in a process.
Histogram 1	This Lean Six Sigma technique is used to help understand how the output of a process relates to customer expectations and specifications .
Inter-Relationship Digraph	This is a basic quality technique used to assess a central issue or problem and the relationship between multiple items related to it by examining the causality of each item to another.
Kano Analysis	This Lean Six Sigma technique is used to help quantify the value customers place on features of products or services.
Multi-Voting	This technique is used to help a group select from a list of options using a limited number of weighted votes to set priorities or reduce the number of options to a managable few.
Nominal Group Technique	This technique is used to give members of the group an equal voice in selecting issues or actions.
Pareto Chart	This is a basic quality technique used to organize data to show the relative importance of data compared to each other and focus attention and efforts on the truly important issues. See the Pareto Principle for where this chart gets its name.
Pay-Off Matrix	This Lean Six Sigma technique enables a team to assess the costs and benefits of several proposed solutions.
Potholes in the Road Workshop	This workshop examines an issue from the perspective of what may be missing or preventing the accomplishment of a goal or action.
Process Decision Program Chart	This is a technique used to identify contengencies for implementation plans and options for countermeasures.
Purpose Workshop	This article describes a method that is central in the development of the mission and vision of a group, the purpose.
Quality Function Deployment	This Lean Six Sigma technique is a systematic design process that allows an organization to bring intense focus on achieving the customer's requirements.
Run Chart	This is a basic quality technique to display data collected over time. It shows the results of process and impacts on it by different things like shift production, productivity, downtime, and maintenance.
Scatter Diagram	This is a technique used to study and evaluate the relationship between two variables.
Silver Bullet Matrix	This article describes a technique for examining the results of the ID and Values Scoring Matrix in an effort to identify the goals with the most significant positive impact.
SIPOC Map	This Lean Six Sigma technique is used to help clarify the scope of a project by capturing the full breadth of related process activities.
Spaghetti Diagram	This Lean Six Sigma technique is used to show the path of work flow as a process in order to establish the optimum layout for the process and reduce waste.
Strategy Sort Workshop	This technique helps a group examine a list of potential goals by breaking them down into 3 groups based on the level of impact to the organization.
TOWS Matrix	This technique helps a group use the information gathered from a SWOT activity. It can be used as a part of a planning effort or as a complete workshop itself.
Tree Diagram	This technique is used to systematically map out in greater detail a full range of tasks that need to be accomplished in order to achieve a primary goal.
Trend Chart	This Lean Six Sigma technique is used to track work process over time. See Run Chart.
Value Chain Analysis	This is a three step method for conducting an analysis on an organizations’ Value Chain. To learn more read the Value Chain Model article.
Values Coding Matrix	This technique helps a group examine a group of goals or actions to determine the potential impact they may have on advancing the established Values of an organization.
Vision Workshop	This workshop helps a group explore and create a vision of the preferred future.
Workshop Method	This is a decision-making methodology that enables a group to build consensus by aligning ideas and building on each others thinking. It is a more comprehensive process that is similar to the Affinity Diagram.

Last updated: January 30, 2009