Selecting the Best Solution
As you answer these questions, you can begin developing a list of possible solutions. Go through this list and cross out those that obviously won't work. The best ideas are sometimes those that are revised from ideas that won't work.
Break the remaining solution down into its positive effects and negative effects. To do this, write each solution on a separate piece of paper. Below the solution, draw a vertical line down the center of the sheet. Label one column “advantages” and the other column “disadvantages.” Analyze each facet of the solution and its effect on the problem. List each of the advantages and disadvantages you can think of.
Role Playing
One way to help you think of the advantages and disadvantages is to role play each solution. Call in a few of your employees or trusted business associates and play out each solution. Ask them for their reactions. Based on your observations and their feedback, you will have a better idea of the advantages and disadvantages of each solution you're considering.
After you complete this process for each primary solution, select those solutions that have the most significant advantages. At this point, you should be considering only two or three.
Selection
In order to select the most appropriate solution, consider:
Cost-effectiveness
Time constraints
Availability of manpower and materials
Your own intuition
Evaluation
Before you actually implement the chosen solution, you should evaluate it further. Ask yourself:
Are the objectives of the solution sound, clear, and simple?
Will the solution achieve the objectives?
What are the possibilities that it will fail and in what way?
How can I reduce the possibility of failure?
Design a plan of action chart that includes all the details you need to consider to implement the plan and when each phase should happen. Keep in mind, though, that even the best plans have setbacks. A key person may be out sick, a supplier may ship materials late, or a change at the client's site may require that the timetable be changed.
Taking Action
Finding the solution doesn't mean the problem is solved. Now you need to design a plan of action so the solution gets carried out properly. Designing and implementing the plan of action is just as important as finding the solution. The best solution can fail because it isn't well implemented.
As each phase of your plan of action is implemented, you should ask yourself whether your goals were achieved, how well they were achieved, and whether they worked smoothly. To check your own perceptions of the results, get as much feedback as possible from your managers and employees. What you may think is working may not be perceived the same way by those closer to the action. Always remember that clients and employees are your most valuable resources in successfully carrying out your solution.
