15 % Solutions

15 % Solutions is a liberating structure by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, focused on the power to act. The game invites each participant to identify their '15 %': what they can do right now, without additional resources or permission, to make progress on a challenge. It shifts attention from what is beyond control to what is immediately within reach. In a few short exchanges, everyone leaves with concrete actions enriched by the questions and advice of their peers.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Present the challenge and the framework of the 15 %

   3 min

   The facilitator presents the work challenge, ideally formulated in a way that is visible to all. They say: 'We are going to look for your 15 %: what you can do right now, without additional resources, without additional permission, to make progress on this challenge.' They clarify that the goal is not to solve the entire problem, but to identify a real and immediate margin of action. Participants listen and prepare to think from their own sphere of influence.

   Tip — Emphasise 'without permission or additional resources': this constraint makes the exercise powerful and prevents overly ambitious or dependent ideas.

2. 2

   Clarify the initial question

   2 min

   The facilitator slowly rephrases the central question: 'What are your 15 %? What can you do right now, by yourself, to advance this challenge?' They invite everyone to think of small, concrete, and quickly achievable actions. Participants may ask for clarification on the challenge, but the facilitator avoids launching a collective discussion at this stage. The aim is to create a shared understanding before individual writing.

   Tip — If someone starts talking about obstacles, gently bring them back: 'That’s exactly what we are putting aside for a few minutes; let’s first look for what remains possible despite that.'

3. 3

   Individually list your 15 %

   5 min

   The facilitator initiates a strict 5-minute individual reflection time. They say: 'Write down all the actions you could undertake yourself, right now, without asking for resources, budget, validation, or permission. Don’t filter too much, write down several ideas.' Participants work in silence and produce their personal list. This time protects each person's reflection before group influence.

   Tip — Maintain silence during these 5 minutes, even if energy dips: it is often after a minute or two that the most realistic actions emerge.

4. 4

   Form exchange groups

   2 min

   The facilitator forms groups of 2 to 4 people. They explain the process: 'Each person will present their ideas for 3 minutes, then receive questions and advice from the group for 5 to 7 minutes. You will rotate roles until everyone has had a turn.' Participants arrange themselves into small groups and designate a first person. The small committee format encourages listening and individual responsibility.

   Tip — To keep to time, ask each group to appoint a timekeeper before starting; this prevents the first speaker from consuming the entire session.

5. 5

   Share ideas, one person at a time

   3 min per person

   In each group, the first person presents their ideas for 3 minutes. The facilitator gives the instruction: 'The speaking person describes their action ideas without being interrupted; the others listen to understand what is already within their control.' The listening participants note mentally or in writing the points to explore further. This step allows everyone to express their power to act without being immediately corrected or directed.

   Tip — Encourage participants to speak in action phrases starting with 'I can...'; this anchors the ideas in personal responsibility.

6. 6

   Receive questions and advice from peers

   5 to 7 min per person

   After the presentation, the other group members ask questions and offer advice for 5 to 7 minutes. The facilitator frames it: 'Help the person make their 15 % clearer, simpler, or more feasible; avoid giving them a bigger problem than they already have.' The person being listened to welcomes the contributions and identifies what they want to keep. The group then repeats the same cycle for each participant.

   Tip — Remind groups to prioritise short questions like 'What first action?', 'Who can you start with?', 'What depends only on you?'

7. 7

   Choose an immediate action

   3 min

   When all presentations are complete, the facilitator invites everyone to select one action from their 15 %. They say: 'Choose an action that you can actually initiate without waiting: it must depend on you and not require any additional resources or permission.' Participants note their commitment in a simple sentence. This step transforms the exchanged ideas into a personal and concrete decision.

   Tip — If an action contains 'it should be that...' or 'we should...', ask them to rephrase it as 'I will...' to ensure it truly belongs to the person.

8. 8

   Close and anchor the learning

   3 to 5 min

   The facilitator proposes a short closing round, either in plenary or in the same groups depending on the size. They ask: 'What action are you taking away, and what makes it feasible right now?' A few participants share their decision, without lengthy debate or justification. The closing highlights the shift made: less attention to global constraints, more attention to what is already possible.

   Tip — With a large group, don’t try to have everyone speak in plenary; instead, ask for sharing in pairs, then take only a few examples.

Variants

• Short version: keep the 5 minutes of individual listing, then pair up with 3 minutes of presentation and 5 minutes of questions-advice per person. End with a written action from each.
• Large group version: form groups of 4 directly and let all exchanges take place in parallel. The final feedback is limited to a few voluntary examples to maintain the pace.
• Remote version: use breakout rooms of 2 to 4 people. Ask everyone to prepare their list in a personal document or on paper, then follow the same cycle: 3 minutes of presentation and 5 to 7 minutes of questions-advice per person.
• Action-oriented version: after the final individual choice, ask participants to share their action with a peer who will act as a witness. The peer only checks that the action does not depend on any resource or additional permission.