PROBLEM SOLVING: The "Responsum" Compass

There exist many and diverse ways to go about observing and solving a “challenge”, the following is only one of them. The approach is both a simple and practical way to confront an unexpected situation or difficulty. What is important, and the objective, is to have a mental frame of reference that walks us through a series of steps in order to find multiple options to solve an unwanted situation. When facing or dealing with an unwanted situation or unexpected challenge, I suggest applying the following tool: The “Responsum” Compass. Always remember the answers lie in the questions you ask.

1. Context: Analyze the moment and place where this challenge is presenting itself. Consider what is relevant in regards to the economy, competition, culture, market, technology, any legal aspect. 2. Level of Impact: Plain and simple, are you dealing with a low, medium, high or critical level of impact. The response aids us in defining the sense of urgency in resolving this situation. 3. Time: What is the necessary time needed to resolve this situation? 4. Indicators: How will the result be evaluated? When will this result be evaluated? 5. Required Information: What information is needed? Do we have it available? If not, where or with whom may we acquire this information? 6. Necessary Resources: What resources are required to solve this “challenge”? Do we have them? How can we make the best use of them for this “challenge”? If we do not have them available, where and how do we acquire them? Responsible Execution Team: Who will be responsible for executing the action plan until the desired result is achieved? 7. Viable Options and Action Plan: What options are the most efficient, in regards to the resources and time available, for solving this situation? 8. Evaluation of Results: Do the indicators show the “challenge” was solved in a satisfactory way? If the answer is yes, how can we avoid this situation in the future? ; If the answer is no, the process is repeated with the new information gathered through this experience until the result obtained is the desired one. “Ask and it will answer”