When problem solving we can normally remember about 80% of what we see, but only around 20% of what we hear. Indeed, because of interpretation, each person at a meeting may have different versions, so it is unlikely that everyone will agree on what was said and what was seen.

Most meetings are dominated by people talking. For reference, we will call that the ‘verbals’. The ‘visuals’ are what people present. For example, the way they dress and the way they lean forward or backwards, smiling or frowning, nodding their head in agreement, or shaking it in disagreement. Sometimes, people present fixed visuals by presenting a document or showing a Power Point presentation or similar pictures. Occasionally, people map discussions as they progress via a mind map technique. It is well established that visuals can help your verbals in communicating and problem solving.

The above model uses the core CPS diamond as a system to help clarify your problem solving skills, stages and strategy. It is an aide-memoire, a visual that can be used to facilitate both individual contributions and group interaction. It can help everyone see where the focus is in moving from problems to solutions, and from discussions to decisions.