The problem-solving workshop for the building-permits ART starts with solutions such as buy a new workflow tool. What should the facilitator insist on first?

Problem-solving workshops must agree on the problem before generating solutions such as buying a tool. Building-permits groups that start with “buy a new workflow platform” skip cause analysis and often purchase the wrong thing. The facilitator insists on problem definition and root-cause clarity first so solutions target resident wait time for real. Tools are hypotheses, not opening bids.

Voting immediately on which vendor to buy so the workshop stays short skips problem definition. Letting the director pick the tool then reverse-engineering a problem statement fabricates alignment. Skipping problem definition because a new platform “always helps” is solution bias.

Exam caveat: problem before solution is foundational workshop discipline. Operational check: refuse vendor talk in permits I&A until the problem statement is agreed and visible.

Municipal ARTs feel problem-solving workshop quality as clearer permits, fairer housing intake, steadier water billing, and fewer blame cycles in public service. Facilitate evidence-based causes, restated problems, owned experiments, and follow-through into iteration events so residents experience the improvement. Re-check the improvement backlog at the next team sync.