NOISE Analysis and SOLVED Cards: A Solution-Focused Approach to Strategic Planning and Organizational Growth

In contrast to traditional problem-centric methods like SWOT, the N OISE analysis offers a powerful, solution-focused approach to strategic planning and organization development. Shifting the conversation from deficits and threats to Strengths, Needs, Opportunities, Improvements, and Exceptions creates an environment where teams and individuals can thrive. This forward-looking framework emphasizes what’s working and can be improved, leading to concrete, actionable outcomes.

Here, I will explore how NOISE analysis aligns with solution-focused principles and demonstrate a novel way to integrate the SOLVED cards within the process to unlock their full potential.

The Foundation of Solution-Focused Thinking

At its core, solution-f ocused thinking is about interactions:

Instead of dwelling on problems, the focus is on what’s working and how to do more of it.
This philosophy is rooted in the belief that people possess the intrinsic strengths, abilities, and resources to solve their challenges.

NOISE analysis adopts this philosophy and applies it practically to organizational planning. Unlike SWOT, which can leave teams fixated on weaknesses and external threats, NOISE emphasizes what is already within reach—the internal resources and potential that can drive growth and positive change.

How NOISE is Solution-Focused

Strengths: The first area directs attention to what’s already working. This step builds confidence by asking teams to identify their core competencies and recent achievements. A key question might be, “What are we doing exceptionally well, and how do we know?” By anchoring the discussion in tangible successes, the focus stays on expanding what works rather than fixing what’s broken.
Needs: Unlike SWOT’s “weaknesses,” which can feel like deficits, NOISE reframes them as needs—areas that teams can control and improve. This subtle shift empowers people to take action and take ownership of their growth. The focus shifts from “What’s wrong?” to “What do we need to thrive?”
Opportunities: NOISE encourages teams to identify untapped potential. This area is about exploring resources or talents that could be leveraged differently. It aligns perfectly with solution-focused thinking by reinforcing the idea that even small changes can generate significant progress.
Improvements: Instead of overwhelming teams with a long list of problems to fix, NOISE uses this area to identify incremental, practical steps forward. Borrowing from the solution-focused “Miracle Question,” teams ask, “If things were operating as best as they could, what would be different?” This keeps the focus on actionable improvements.
Exceptions: One of the most powerful aspects of solution-focused thinking is the search for exceptions—moments when the problem didn’t exist or was less severe. Teams can replicate success by reflecting on what was going well during those times. NOISE places this principle at its core, reinforcing the idea that progress often stems from recognizing and amplifying what already works.

Practical Application of NOISE: Enhancing Machine Efficiency

Let’s apply the NOISE framework to a common scenario—machine breakdowns in a manufacturing setting.

Strengths: The team identifies that experienced operators are proficient at troubleshooting minor issues, and a trusted external vendor provides responsive support during breakdowns.
Needs: A key gap is the absence of a predictive maintenance system. The team realizes it is being reactive, addressing issues only after they occur rather than preventing them.
Opportunities: The team sees potential in leveraging new technology, such as installing IoT sensors to monitor machine conditions like temperature and vibration. This would allow for proactive maintenance and reduce unplanned downtime.
Improvements: The team suggests streamlining their daily checklists and incorporating quick, preventive maintenance checks during shift changes to catch small issues early.
Exceptions: Reflecting on past successes, the team remembers periods when the machine operated smoothly for extended durations. They attribute this to informal, daily equipment inspections, which they now plan to formalize.

Using NOISE analysis, the team develops a plan to resolve immediate machine breakdowns and build a long-term, sustainable solution to ensure continuous efficiency. This solution-focused approach shifts their focus and conversations from firefighting to proactive improvement.

What is SOLVED?

The SOLVED cards are a structured tool designed to facilitate solution-focused coaching and problem-solving. Each card follows the SOLVED acronym:

S: Situation—Clarify the current issue and define what you want to achieve.
O: Observation—Encourage participants to consider the problem from different perspectives.
L: Level—Assess progress and identify where the team currently stands.
V: Validation—Acknowledge what’s already going well and how progress has been made.
E: Exception—Find moments when the issue was less problematic, understand, and discuss/identify what worked.
D: Decision & Direction—Take steps forward by deciding on small, actionable tasks.

Each card prompts reflective questions to guide individuals and teams through a solution-focused conversation. Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, the SOLVED process empowers participants to build on their strengths and make incremental progress toward their goals.

NOISE analysis and SOLVED cards solution-focused planning and solution finding

Integrating SOLVED Cards into NOISE analysis

To deepen the effectiveness of NOISE analysis, the SOLVED cards can be incorporated to guide teams through each quadrant:

Strengths with SOLVED: Use the “S” (Situation) and “O” (Observation) cards to examine successes from multiple angles. Asking questions like, “How do others see our strengths?” helps teams gain a well-rounded view of their capabilities.
Needs with SOLVED: The “L” (Level) and “V” (Validation) cards can guide teams in assessing where they stand and recognizing their efforts to address needs. Questions like, “What’s already working to meet this need?” provide clarity on the progress that’s already been made.
Opportunities with SOLVED: The “O” (Observation) card prompts teams to look for new possibilities, asking, “What resources have we not yet tapped into?” This encourages fresh thinking and creative problem-solving.
Improvements with SOLVED: Use the “D” (Decision & Direction) card to focus on actionable steps. A question like, “What’s the next small step we can take tomorrow?” aligns with solution-focused thinking and keeps the momentum toward progress.
Exceptions with SOLVED: The “E” (Exception) card asks teams to focus on past successes, reinforcing the idea that solutions are often found in the small wins already achieved.

A Hybrid Process: Combining NOISE and SOLVED

One unique way to integrate SOLVED into NOISE analysis is, to begin with a NOISE analysis and then use the SOLVED cards to reflect on each quadrant. For instance, after identifying a need, the team could use the “S” card to reframe it as a situation they want to change. Moving through the SOLVED process ensures a deeper exploration, uncovering hidden strengths or opportunities that might not have been immediately obvious.

This hybrid method adds layers of reflection, making the NOISE analysis even more comprehensive and actionable.

Conclusion

NOISE analysis, grounded in the principles of solution-focused thinking, offers a transformative way to approach strategic planning. By focusing on strengths, needs, opportunities, improvements, and exceptions, teams can craft actionable strategies that build on their existing successes and address challenges head-on.

Integrating the SOLVED cards into this process amplifies the potential for innovation and progress. The structured questioning encourages deeper reflection, ensuring that each step taken is purposeful and aligned with the team’s strengths and goals.

This approach empowers organizations to move beyond reactive problem-solving and embrace a future of proactive, sustainable growth. Whether facilitating a strategic planning session or guiding team development, NOISE and SOLVED together equip teams with the mindset, tools, and confidence to thrive.