Problem-solving meetings that find the real cause
A problem-solving meeting should move from symptom to root cause to a chosen solution with owners. Without structure, teams treat symptoms and argue about the first fix that comes to mind.
Session
Quarterly Planning
Facilitator guide
Set the context, then invite each participant to share their top priority before opening discussion.
Step 2 of 4 · 18 min left
Decisions & next steps
The typical problem
Teams jump to solutions before agreeing on the problem. The meeting ends with an action that does not address the real cause, and the issue returns.
When to use this format
- A recurring issue
- A drop in metrics with no clear cause
- A new, complex problem needing cross-functional input
Who should attend
People close to the problem and people able to implement the solution. Include a facilitator to keep the group on the problem before the solution.
Recommended structure
- Problem framing
- Symptom mapping
- Root-cause analysis
- Solution options
- Selection with criteria
- Owner assignment
Common facilitation risks
- Jumping to solutions early
- Treating a symptom as the cause
- Choosing the loudest idea
- No owner for the chosen solution
How Moderando helps
Moderando structures problem-solving meetings to separate problem framing from solution generation, with prompts that keep the group on cause before cure, and a follow-up that records owners.
Sample agenda (60 minutes)
- 0:00–0:10
Problem framing
State the problem and its impact.
- 0:10–0:25
Root-cause analysis
Dig beneath the symptom.
- 0:25–0:40
Solution options
Generate possible approaches.
- 0:40–0:52
Selection
Choose using agreed criteria.
- 0:52–1:00
Owners and follow-up
Assign owners and a check-in.
Solve the right problem
Generate a problem-solving meeting facilitation plan.