How Systemic Thinking Can Transform Employee Engagement and Innovation
Doug explains how systemic thinking can transform employee engagement and drive real innovation. If you want better results, you don’t need to “fix” your people—you need to fix your systems. Doug lays out a clear roadmap for building smarter, more productive organizations.
The Lawbreaker: How Deliberate Rule-Breaking Drives Innovation
Doug’s bold “Lawbreaker” method sparks innovation. The idea is simple but powerful: challenge the things you’ve always done and the things you’ve never dared to try. By pushing past conventional thinking, you can uncover fresh solutions and create truly original products and services.
Rethinking How We Solve Problems
Doug reveals how to tackle problems before they ignite. He challenges “stupid” work systems with real-world examples and breaks down how teams can cultivate clarity, experimentation, and communication to drive transformative change.
Proactive Problem-Solving Decants a Bourbon-Bottle Mystery
In this IndustryWeek article, Doug Hall shares his first-hand story from Brain Brew Distillery: after six months of chasing elusive bottling issues, the root cause turned out to be inconsistent bottle molds — not machinery or operators. He uses this case to illustrate how empowering frontline teams to map systems, distinguish variation types, and dig deeper with tools like the “Five Whys” can transform production challenges into continuous improvement opportunities.
Proactive Problem Solving: Finding The WHAT and WHY
In his article, Doug dives into the foundational steps of Proactive Problem Solving: clearly defining what the problem is and why it matters. It’s a powerful framework for driving fast, focused action across any organization. If you’re ready to stop the chaos and start making progress, start here.
Problem-Solving Paralysis? Try Musical Chairs for a Breakthrough Solution
This playful, but practical article introduces Doug’s “Musical Chairs” technique — a creative way to shake up team dynamics and break through mental roadblocks. By shifting prospectives, teams uncover blind spots, reframe challenges, and unlock fresh solutions. If your team’s stuck, this approach just might get them moving again.
The Power of Proactive Problem Solving: A Leadership Imperative
In this CEOWorld article, Doug challenges leaders to stop reacting to chaos and start building smarter systems. He explains how identifying what the real problem is — and why it matters — can prevent small issues from becoming big ones. A must-read for anyone ready to lead with clarity, purpose, and real results.
Your Work Systems are Broken! Here’s How to Fix it NOW
In this interview with The WealthAbility Show, Doug zeroes in on why it’s rarely your people — and almost always your systems — that hold back your business. He explains how Proactive Problem Solving helps you nip issues in the bud, energize frontline teams, and build clarity into everyday processes. Listen for practical guidance on igniting employee ownership, defining problems before they escalate, and embedding continuous improvement into the culture.
Stop the Stupid: Build a Culture of Proactive Problem Solving
In this engaging interview, with Marcia Riner, Doug shares practical strategies for turning reactive teams into proactive problem solvers. He shows how to create systems that empower employees to identify and fix issues early—before they spiral out of control. A great introduction to the core principles behind his Proactive Problem Solving methodology.