Partnership & Problem-Solving

Interest-Based Problem Solving (IBPS)

A repeatable method for solving workplace problems jointly.

The problem-solving engine behind labor-management partnerships. A structured sequence that takes a shared problem all the way to a durable, agreed solution.

When to use it

Standing labor-management committees and recurring operational problems.
Anything where both sides own the outcome.

How to use it

1Define the issue as a question.
2Surface each side's interests.
3Set the standards a good solution must meet.
4Brainstorm options.
5Evaluate options against the standards.
6Choose and refine the solution.
7Agree on who does what, by when — and review.

Takeaway

A shared method turns "us vs. them" into "us vs. the problem."

Source: Kaiser Labor Management Partnership

Learn this in a course

Building a Partnership: Common Interest & FQHC Success

Related frameworks

The Common-Interest Framework

Labor-Management Partnership

All frameworks