15% Solutions

Purpose

15% Solutions helps participants discover the actions they can take immediately without needing permission, resources, or buy-in from others. It shifts the focus from what cannot be done to what is within each person's control right now. Use it when a group feels stuck, overwhelmed, or waiting for someone else to act.

At a glance

• Group size: 4–40 people
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Facilitation style: Structured
• Setting: Indoor / Remote-friendly

How to run

1. Individual reflection (5 min): Each person writes down their 15% — the actions they can take right now, within their existing authority and resources, to begin addressing the challenge.
2. Small-group sharing (10 min): In groups of 3–4, each person shares their list. Others listen and offer encouragement, additional ideas, or connections.
3. Harvest (5 min): Facilitator invites volunteers to share one 15% action with the whole room. Note themes.

Materials needed

• Index cards or sticky notes
• Pens
• Timer

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Thinking too big — the whole point is small, achievable actions. Coach people away from "we should reorganise the department."
• Dismissing small actions as insignificant — emphasise that small moves compound and create momentum.
• Turning it into a commitment ceremony — the method is generative, not contractual.

Inclusion & accessibility

• The individual writing phase ensures everyone contributes, not just the loudest voices.
• Small groups of 3–4 are intimate enough for introverts to feel safe sharing.
• Allow digital contributions for remote participants.

Variations

• 15% Solutions + Troika Consulting: After sharing, each person gets coaching from two others on their top action.
• 15% Wall: Post all 15% actions on a shared wall; participants add support offers ("I can help with that").
• Weekly 15%: Use as a recurring ritual — each week, everyone names one 15% action.

When NOT to use this

Avoid 15% Solutions when the challenge genuinely requires systemic or structural change that no individual can begin alone — using it in that context can feel like deflecting responsibility upward.

Source & further reading

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless as part of Liberating Structures, inspired by the work of Gareth Morgan. See liberatingstructures.com.