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!