Purpose: to help you more effectively handle complex problems
Goal:1) to break down large problems into solvable ones and 2) to spend less time stuck on large problems
Use the homework sheet to help you through these steps.
Step 1: Identify the problem. Be aware that there may be more than one problem.
Step 2: Seek out information and set goals. Get others’ input into the situation and its potential causes. Set reasonable, achievable goals and make sure that you have a “fall back” goal.
Step 3: Brainstorm. Think of potential solutions to the problem without censoring any far-out ideas. If you can, get help from others.
Step 4: Choose a solution. Evaluate each idea you had by examining the likely pros and cons of each. Choose the one you think holds the most promise.
Step 5: Describe the plan. Be detailed, noting what potential problems you might encounter and how to overcome these. Get important people involved in putting the plan into place. Have a specific endpoint in mind and know how you will evaluate how close you came to meeting it. Finally, put the plan into action.
Step 6: Review and Revise. Note what went well and what did not go as planned. Use this information to refine the plan the next time you attempt it. Revise goals if necessary. Go through the process again until you are satisfied with the outcome.