Problem-Solving Skills: 4 + 1 Questions

Purpose

To collect and organize the learning that has been done about a person or a project. A way to focus future efforts based on the learning.

Instructions

Begin with the focus or issue that the 4 +1 is to address. It should then be posted as the “lead-in” for the 4 questions. (e.g. Since the last time we got together to look at how we can help Harry lose weight…)

  • What have we tried?
  • What have we learned?
  • What are we pleased about?
  • What are we concerned about?

When this is done in a meeting each question is posted on a flip chart page and those who are participating get up and write on each page. At after everyone has finished writing there is discussion and then the “+1” question is asked –

What should we try/do next based on what we have learned?

Plan Skills–Methods for Organizing Information: Picture of a Life

Purpose

To develop a visual and descriptive picture of what a good life would look like for a person planning to move. This is a checklist of how services are developed and delivered to guide the transition process. Based in part on the work of Peter Kinsella.

Instructions

Picture of a Life is a tool that requires specific training. For training on this tool, contact Support Development Associates at info@sdaus.com.

Discovery Skills: Positive Rituals Survey

Purpose

To identify rituals and routines that must be present in a person’s life to create and contribute to a feeling of contentment, comfort and satisfaction. This also helps to identify what parts of a routine to keep and/or change. These things typically identify or support what is ‘Important To’ the person.

Instructions

Rituals often bring balance and structure to a person’s life and create a positive outlook. Pay particular attention to the beginning and end of the day rituals. Each of us have specific activities that we do every day. The more support the person needs, the more details are included in the tool. The more control the person has, the less you need to record and share about their rituals.

The morning ritual is often included as an example, and is only one specific ritual. Other rituals include night time (going to bed), transition, cultural, holiday, spiritual, comfort, birthday, celebration, and coping with illness. List the person’s major daily rituals. As a ritual is selected, as the person how their ritual starts. What are the “must haves” or “must do’s” to make this ritual a positive experience. Also ask “does the sequence matter,” “who else needs to be a part of it for you,” and what do you do next?”

After capturing/recording the routine or ritual, analyze and review the information with the person, asking “what does this reveal to us that is Important To the person?” Some answers will be very concrete and clear – such as sharing dinner with my family every day; wearing comfortable (not itchy or tight) clothes. Other answers may require more analysis and synthesis. Note that some people are not “allowed” to have a comfort ritual and others need help in finding a comfort ritual that reflects a balance between Important To and Important For.