What we can learn from the Military

The Military version of the brain storm - the Appreciation Process

The Military has developed a process for problem solving, called the "Appreciation Process". It's called this [rather than the logical 'Problem Solving' Process] because it implies that the user 'appreciates' all aspects of the problem trying to be solved, before making a decision.


It's a five step process - but really just a more formal version of brainstorming - described as follows:


Define the problem This is best done using the 5WH method, that is by considering the what, why, where, when, who and how of the problem.

• What exactly is the problem you're trying to solve - is there in fact a problem? Write it down in specific terms so that it can be clearly understood.


• Why is it a problem?


• Who else is impacted by the problem, or needs to be involved?


• When do you need to solve this problem? How long have you got?


• Where is the root of the problem? Or what is the root of the problem?


• How do you feel about the problem?

Examine the facts What are the factors that influence how you solve this problem - lack of resources, time or money?


The trick with examining the factors is to determine exactly what each one really means to your problem. And you can do this simply by asking the question "So what?" after each factor.


I don't have any money to go out to dinner. "So what?" So, I need to go to the bank before the dinner date. "So what?" So, I need to leave now! And so on, until there are no more "So whats?"


Brainstorm options Once you have a thorough understanding of all the facts, and what this really means - you can start brain storming options for solving your problem.


Pros and Cons List all the pros (the advantages or good points) and cons (the disadvantages or bad points) with the option, including how you personally feel about each option.


Preferred Option Based on your pros and cons, what is the best option? %u2026and more importantly, what is your next step?


Once you have your preferred option, prepare your step-by-step plan to achieve it - and hop to it!

The Military version of giving instructions - the SMEAC Process

And while we're talking about the military, check out the SMEAC system as a way of documenting the outcomes from your decision making process.


The SMEAC system is yet another acronym borrowed from our mighty Military [they do a pretty good job, so we may as well learn something from them!] and is short for:


S Situation

M Mission

E Execution

A Administration and Logistics

C Command and communications


The Military use the SMEAC system to document their orders and instructions for field operations, so that they can pass this information on to their troops.


While you probably don't have a personal army at your disposal, there are times I'm sure when you need to give a colleague or even a family member or friend instructions or directions for a task or project - and this system is ideal!


Situation This is the background to your problem, or a description of what has happened. What were the events leading up to where you are now?


Again, consider the 5WH of the situation. What has happened? Why is it a problem? Who else is involved? When did it happen/ sequence of events? Where did ti happen? How did it happen?


The point of this part of the process is to provide a snapshot or background to the following set of instructions.


Mission So now we know what has happened, the mission is what we need to do about it. The mission should be a short, clear and concise statement of what you want to achieve - "Our mission is to organise the Christmas Party".


At this stage, there's no need to include any detail - because that's what the EA&C is for.


Execution Execution is the "how" part of the plan - how you are going to achieve your mission.


Detail the steps required, and again 5WH applies.


What are you going to do? Why? When? Where? Who is involved? How?


The execution part of the process is usually the longest and should provide sufficient information to allow you [or your team] to go and do the job.


Administration The military term is actually "Administration and Logistics" and is about what resources you need to do the job, and how these resources are to be coordinated.


Command and Communications This is the who's who of the job - who's in charge, who do you report to, and how you communicate with each other.


For more information, check out www.achieve-goal-setting-success.com - this site gives you all the FREE tools and advice you need for achieving your own personal success through goal setting.