1. Use of Process Tools
One of the main tasks in facilitation is the effective generation and
management of information. Process Tools help to manage
information in a structured manner. It is important that the right tools
are used for the purpose in hand:
Gathering/organising information (e.g., Mind-Mapping, Force-Field Analysis
Generating new ideas (e.g., Brainstorming, Get Real, SCAMPER, Morphological Matrix, Forced Associations, PO)
Group decision making (e.g., Plus-Minus-Interesting, Assumption Implication Tool, Evaluation Matrix,)
Dealing with conflict (e.g., Thinking Hats)
“Facilitation tools are simply a combination of words and lists that are
organised around lines, circles, boxes, graphs and pictures. They are
used to enable groups, to bring together ideas and make decisions.”
(Howell, J. L., 1997)

2. Mind Map of Edward De Bono’s Thinking Hats
White Hat
Blue Hat
Facts only
No opinions
Metacognition
Overview
Red Hat
Green Hat
Feelings
Own view
Creative
New ideas
Black Hat
Negative
Logical
Yellow Hat
Positive
Optimistic
Mind Maps can promote all
types of thinking as well as
aid memory and learning

3. The Process of Problem-Solving
Recognition of a ‘problem’
Exploration of the problem
Data gathering to understand
the problem
Problem Analysis
A clear – “best” – picture
of the problem is achieved
Problem Definition
Possible solutions are
identified
Data is sought, analysed and
interpreted
Criteria are used to determine
the most viable solution
Solution Finding
What is to be done, by who,
when and how?
Action Planning

4. Force-Field Analysis Tool
This is a tool for generating and organizing information.
Through the use of brainstorming, identify:
the desired situation (where the change wants to go)
Identify the current situation (where things are now)
Identify factors that are supporting change towards the desired situation
(give them a rating on how important they are)
Identify factors that are resisting change towards the desired situation
Identify ways to enhance the factors supporting change
Identify ways to reduce the impact of factors resisting change
Identifying if some of the resistors of change can be used against each other

5. Force-Field Analysis Current Situation Desired Situation
Potency:
:Potency
Forces driving change
Forces resisting change
Equilibrium
The objective is to move the balance to the right, which can be achieved by:
identifying forces, their causes and strength
planning and acting to assist the driving forces
planning and acting to reduce the resisting forces
using some of the resisting forces against each other if possible

6. Mind Map of Edward De Bono’s Thinking Hats
White Hat
Blue Hat
Facts only
No opinions
Metacognition
Overview
Red Hat
Green Hat
Feelings
Own view
Creative
New ideas
Black Hat
Negative
Logical
Yellow Hat
Positive
Optimistic
Mind Maps can promote all
types of thinking as well as
aid memory and learning

7. RULES BRAINSTORMING DEFER JUDGEMENT STRIVE FOR QUANTITY FREEWHEEL
HITCH HIKE
RULES

8. Get Real
This is a tool for generating possibilities, starting with wild ideas
and progressing to more viable possibilities. It involves the
following process:
Split main group into two sub-groups
Each groups generates ideas under the category “Got to be kidding”
Groups then switch and generate ideas under the category “That’s a little better”
Groups then switch again and generate/refine ideas under the category “Now we’re cooking”
Groups then switch for the final time and generate/refine ideas under the category “Now we’re cooking”

9. S A P R C M E Substitute Combine Adapt Magnify, Minify, Modify
SCAMPER is a checklist that helps to
think of ways to improve existing products
or create new ones
Substitute
Combine
Adapt
Magnify, Minify, Modify
Put to other use
Eliminate
Reverse

10. Morphological Matrix X
This tool encourages new possibilities through combining options
OPTIONS X
OPTIONS

11. Forced Associations (Random Triggers)
Forced Associations is a technique for linking another thinking pattern into
the one we are presently using. We do this by selecting a random concrete noun
from a different field and combining it with the problem under consideration.
For example, we might be looking at ways to make lifts quicker.
By choosing a random word ‘Mirror’ could lead to installing mirrors by lifts.
As we know this is a popular solution for ‘slow lifts’. The lift doesn’t go faster,
but people waiting don’t notice this as they look in the mirror.
Force Associate
with ‘Mirror’

12. PO (Provocative Operation)
PO involves making deliberately provocative statements, which seek to
force thinking out of established patterns.
Examples: “Everybody should go to prison”
“Lets abolish schools”
Having made a provocative statement, it is then necessary to suspend judgement
and use the statement to generate ideas. For example, you can generate ideas
by examining:
The consequences of the statement
What the benefits could be?
What would need to change in order to make it a sensible statement?
What would happen if a sequence of events changed?

13. Plus-Minus-Interesting

14. Assumption Implication Tool
This tools helps to create a bigger picture and facilitate fact-
based group decisions. It involves the following process:
List solutions in the left-hand column
Identify the assumptions upon which the solutions are based (e.g., pose questions like – “what would happen if we do this, how do we know that”, etc.)
Identify the positive outcomes/reactions if the solution is implemented
Identify the negative outcomes/reactions if the solution is implemented
Reflect on the matrix and discuss how it looks, feels, etc.

15. Assumption Implication Tool
Implications
Solutions Assumptions
Positive Negative

16. Evaluation Matrix Evaluation Criteria Option A Option B Option c
Option X
Cost
Quality
Aesthetics X Y Z
Total Score

17. Mind Map of Edward De Bono’s Thinking Hats
White Hat
Blue Hat
Facts only
No opinions
Metacognition
Overview
Red Hat
Green Hat
Feelings
Own view
Creative
New ideas
Black Hat
Negative
Logical
Yellow Hat
Positive
Optimistic
Mind Maps can promote all
types of thinking as well as
aid memory and learning