Discovery and Data Gathering

ADLT 610October 17, 2011

Working With The ClientDuring The Discovery Phase

•Maintain the helping relationship

•Offer to clarify issues, not offer solutions

•Aim for a long term solution, not a quick fix

Why do you think Block prefers the term Discovery to Diagnosis?

Building Client Capacity and Solving Problems So They Stay Solved

Discovery Engagement Dialogue

How can we help the client be open to the discovery process?

Why is engagement important?What is dialogue?

Action, Not Understanding

You need to ask, ‘How is the problem being

managed?’Data on how the client

organization is functioning is valid and relevant information

Action Approach Research Approach

What are the main differences?

Discovery Phase: To Do List

Plan data collection jointly with the clientDATA COLLECTION

Involve the client in interpretation of data

Identify and describe the technical problem and how it is being managed

Distinguish between the presenting problem and the underlying problem

Steps Involved In Data Collection

Identify the presenting problem

Decide to proceed

Select dimensions

Decide who will be involved

Select the data collection method

Collect the data

Layers of Analysis

Case Study in Discovery

AccuTime Corporation

Characters Dave Client Ace Consultants Susan Joe Karen Brian Katherine

Steps Involved in Data Collection (cont)

Funnel the Data

Summarize the data

Analyze the data with client

Provide feedback and recommendations

Help client make a decision

Using Your Experience as Data

How the client manages you is an indication of how they manage the problem

Here’s To Successful Data Gathering!