How do "hot topics" fit with the SolutionCircle process?

[Stanus Cloete]

I have just finished reading the excellent book of Daniel Meier: Team Coaching with the SolutionCircle (2005. SolutionsBooks). Step 3, Hot Topics, of the SolutionCircle however is a bit unclear to me. As I understand it, it is suggested that each team member sign their name next to the topic he or she finds really crucial. In this manner groups are formed that would work on particular topics. Where in the process are they to do this and how? The only other place in the process that Daniel Meier refers to hot topics, is in step 5, Future Perfect. Here it is suggested that the future perfect is tackled by the interest groups that formed in the Hot Topics step and that they describe the ideal future of their topic (p.68).
It is a little bit more confusing than this. Steve de Shazer in Clues: Investigating Solutions in Brief Therapy (1988. W.W. Norton & Company) makes an important statement when he writes: "When the description of the future includes a continuance of the exception, then we can be more sure we are on the right track. If, however, the response to the miracle sequence are not based on the exceptions, then we know we need to redefine the complaint" (p.6). What would be the benefit of looking for Highlights (Exceptions) with the participants as team and then devide in groups discussing the Future Perfect (Miracle Question) around different Hot Topics? Have I missed somehing?
I would appreciate help with understanding the how? when? where? of Hot Topics in the process of team coaching.

[Mark McKergow]

Hi Stanus

Personally, I use this idea to (a) give people a chance to talk about the issues (which is as close as we get to problems) and then (b) frame it up in terms of 'what do we have to get right?'. This gives a chance to do some excellent platform-building, let people feel heard about the issues and also get a list of elements of what will go into the future perfect - which is what's happening when all these things HAVE BEEN got right.

I like to do this before the FP, and after the highlights section. Remember, the main thing in SF is to help your client find things that work, not necessarily follow the instructions! So, youir question shows very good awaremess in my view.

Hope we'll see you in the UK sometime soon.

[Stanus Cloete]

Hi Mark,

Thank you. Now it makes sense to me, especially in terms of platform building and of "what do we have to do to get it right." I will prefer it though to discuss the hot topics (or the "most pressing " ones to the team) with the whole team during the FP excercise. A possibility is to give them the opportunity to discuss prefered topics for the specific small group if time allows it and after the most pressing one's to the team as a whole have been discussed. I think it is important for the team cohesion and collaboration in moving up the scale.

Yes, it is 99% secure that I will see you all end of March in London. Things are moving a little bit slower than I anticipated. By the end of next week I hope to finalise things with Jenny.

Kind regards.

Stanus