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| Criterion |  Facilitation Lean Coffee |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a group without a fixed agenda needs to get into useful conversations quickly, Lean Coffee structures the start around interests rather than a presentation. The group itself negotiates which topics get time first and which wait. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | When a controversial topic needs depth and discipline at the same time, Fishbowl Discussion makes the structure of the conversation transparent. The format keeps the core small enough for real dialogue and open enough for controlled turnover. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 45-90 min | 30-120 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 2-5 | 2-6 | 8-80 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LeanObservationProcessOperations | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |