This document provides a template for analyzing problems and developing solutions called the KANI Worksheet. It involves 6 steps: 1) Describing the situation in detail, 2) Stating the problem in one sentence, 3) Gathering measurable evidence about the problem's existence, 4) Considering the consequences if the problem continues, 5) Imagining the implications if the problem persists over time, and 6) Describing what the desired future state without the problem would look like. The worksheet then asks what is likely to happen if the future state is achieved, who could lose if the solution succeeds, and restates the process in a summary paragraph.

1. KANI Worksheet
(Keep Awake Nights Issues)
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they
succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22
Date:
Situation: describe it.
A great deal can be learned about the situation and then the problem that exists by describing in great detail the situation
Situation: describe it.
Problem: state the problem in one sentence.
This causes some “distillation” of what the issue is. Spend some time on getting it right and specific.
Problem: state the problem in one sentence.
Evidence: (is it measureable?)
Evidence: (is what the situation is? Gather as much evidence as possible about the existence of the problem. Try to measure
How do we know it measureable?)
it if at all possible. Is the evidence in numbers, is it anecdotal, is it a feeling. Examine the statements of evidence asking is this
true, how do we know that, can we measure it, survey, interview, checking data.
Consequences: (think cost, $$$, People, Reputation, Witness, Dilution of vision)
Consequences: (think cost, $$$, People, Reputation, Witness, Dilution of vision)
What will happen if this continues? What is the outcome? Follow this up with asking the question, “and then what?” You can
typically ask this question 3-5 times before you get to the core of the issues.
Implications: what can this lead to? (over time, think 3-5 years)
Here is where the “multiplier” comes in to play. Ask the question,think will beyears)
Implications: what can this lead to? (over time, what 3-5 the implications of this continuing over a period of
time. 1 year, 3 years, 5 years? Is the situation deteriorating at a constant or exponential basis? E.g. if something has a cost of
$1,000 now, and in 3 years $1,250 that is a lower risk than the cost moving from $1,000 to 5,000 in 3 years. This helps quantify
the urgency of the issue
Future Fix: what would it look like if it were fixed?
Future Fix: what would it look like if it were fixed?
Describe in vivid detail what the desired “future state” looks like. What is going on? Who is there? What results are being
generated? Look from as many perspectives as possible.
Implications: what can this lead to?
What is likely to happen if this is brought about? For how long? What is its priority? How does this contribute to mission, observe
values, and achieve desired results?
Constraints: why haven’t you done this before? Who could lose if this succeeds?
The “why haven’t you done this before?” is likely to be a simple Who could lose “who could lose?” is a
Constraints: why haven’t you done this before? discovery. The idea of if this succeeds? subtle question and
may be related to why it hadn’t been done: A current influencer may have stated clearly that “it’ll not work.” And now if it does,
he loses face. With the possibility of losing face, he may turn into an intentional or unintentional “saboteur.” Important question
to ask; may be difficult to answer, may not have an answer.
Summarize: restate the process in a simple paragraph.
Restating the process allows some important editing opportunities.
Summarize: restate the process in a simple paragraph.
Did you get it right?
Did you leave anything out?
If these are well answered, those who contributed to the process will feel heard and consider themselves to be a valuable part of
the solution. Make sure everyone has the real ability to speak candidly without fear of reprisal.