Unlocking Problem Solving with Parking Lots

Ever found yourself in a meeting where great ideas spark off-topic debates, and essential issues get lost in the noise? This is where the simple yet powerful “parking lot” technique transforms problem solving.

A parking lot is a dedicated space—either physical on a whiteboard or digital in your collaboration tool—where you "park" ideas, questions, or concerns that arise but don’t fit the immediate agenda. By doing so, teams can maintain focus on the problem at hand without losing valuable input.

Why Use a Parking Lot?

The parking lot acts as an idea repository, preventing distractions from derailing progress. It ensures all thoughts are acknowledged, enhancing team engagement and creativity. When the main discussion wraps up, the team can revisit the parking lot to address those points systematically.

Benefits for Problem Solving

• Improved Focus: Keeps discussions on track, reducing cognitive overload from multitasking between issues.

• Idea Preservation: Captures spontaneous ideas that might otherwise be forgotten.

• Encourages Participation: Everyone feels heard without interrupting flow.

• Efficient Use of Time: Meetings stay efficient, avoiding lengthy side-tracks.

• Better Follow-up: Creates a clear list of action items or topics for future sessions.

Integrating a parking lot into your problem-solving routine cultivates clarity and momentum. Whether brainstorming solutions or working through complex challenges, this simple tool helps teams stay aligned and productive.

If you haven’t tried it yet, grab a whiteboard or open a shared doc and start parking your ideas today—your next breakthrough could be just a “park” away!