Solve Problems Together: Liz Lathan’s Spin on The Three Questions

Solve problems together: a photograph of a circle of standing Lego people surrounding a jigsaw puzzle piece Image attribution: Wikimedia Commons under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International licenseThe other day, Liz Lathan told me about a version she invented of my core peer conference process The Three Questions. She uses it to solve problems together at Community Factory‘s Spontaneous Think Tanks and Club Ichi, her community for B2B event marketers.

The classic version of The Three Questions, described in detail in all my books, invites open responses. Participants typically share topics and issues they want to discuss and learn about. While some people include current problems, this is generally less common.

Liz’s version explicitly focuses the group on individuals’ top-of-mind problems and elicits group resources to solve problems together. Here are her three questions:

  • How did I get here?
  • What problems do I have?
  • What kinds of problems can I help with?

My thoughts on Liz’s version of The Three Questions

Liz’s adaptation of The Three Questions emphasizes a practical, problem-solving approach that leverages group experience and expertise. By focusing on top-of-mind problems and fostering a collaborative environment, participants not only get help with their challenges but also contribute to the growth and success of their peers.

The success of Liz’s approach highlights an important aspect of facilitation: the ability to adapt core principles to fit the specific needs of a group. Whether through addressing pressing problems or exploring broader topics, the structure of The Three Questions offers a powerful tool for fostering meaningful dialogue and generating actionable solutions.

By asking the right questions and providing a safe and collaborative environment, we can unlock the full potential of group problem-solving and create a supportive community where everyone benefits.

Have you experimented with different versions of The Three Questions in your practice? What outcomes have you observed? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Image attribution: Wikimedia Commons under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

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