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Resolving Problems:

You will need to select an approach to resolve the problem. When selecting the best approach, consider the following:

• Which approach is the most likely to solve the problem for the long term?
• Which approach is the most realistic to accomplish for now? Do you have the resources? Are they affordable? Do you have enough time to implement the approach?
• What is the extent of risk associated with each alternative?

When you have selected your approach to resolve the problem you will need to plan the implementation of the best alternative (this is your action plan). You will need to think about the following:

• Carefully consider "What will the situation look like when the problem is solved?"
• What steps should be taken to implement the best alternative to solving the problem? What systems or processes should be changed in your organization, for example, a new policy or procedure? Don't resort to solutions where someone is "just going to try harder".
• How will you know if the steps are being followed or not? (These are your indicators of the success of your plan).
• What resources will you need in terms of people, money and facilities?
• How much time will you need to implement the solution? Write a schedule that includes the start and stop times, and when you expect to see certain indicators of success.
• Who will primarily be responsible for ensuring implementation of the plan?
• Write down the answers to the above questions and consider this as your action plan.
• Communicate the plan to those who will involved in implementing it and, at least, to your immediate supervisor.
  (An important aspect of this step in the problem-solving process is continual observation and feedback.)

To find out how to make sure your plan is implemented and your problem is solved have a look at Implementing Problem Solving.