How to choose between Opportunity types

What Type of Opportunity Is It?

A few years ago our leadership team was working on an opportunity to make some drastic improvements in our business with Joseph (Rosey) Rosenberger from Process Triage. We were having trouble figuring out exactly what the root of the issue was (a.k.a. Opportunity for breakthrough), and Rosey asked the room, “What type of issue is this?” We all looked at each other with blank looks in our eyes. Not only did we not know how to answer, but we didn’t even know the options!

We’ve since learned and expounded on this idea that if we identify the TYPE of opportunity or obstacle (issue), we’ll be more equipped to turn it into an opportunity for a breakthrough.

Opportunity Types

Awareness: Nothing to do, solve, or even talk about - I just needed to let you know
Future: Not something for now. Let’s save it on a list and check quarterly to see if it becomes relevant.
People: Related to a person performing a function, remember to take these conversations to the Healthy F.I.T. (values and roles).
Analyze: We don’t really know what the opportunity is. We need to investigate or gather more information.
Design: These conversations have big, overarching implications. We may have designed a system or process incorrectly, inadequately, or without strategic consideration. We may also have fallen short in our training on the design.

Use these identifiers to help your team understand what we’re aiming to solve when they’re working through their Opportunities & Obstacles List.

Update

June 6, 2022

S2 Sync initially launched with an expanded set of types which have been reduced. The original types were merged as follows:

Analysis ⟶ ANALYZE
Enforcement ⟶ PEOPLE
Strategy ⟶ DESIGN
Training ⟶ DESIGN