Some Challenges (metaphorically) require very little mental effort to design a process (intended to change the existing situation in order) to achieve the desired outcome.

For those Challenges that are a bit more complex,

• remember the (funky) four-step D-O-E-R method.

The "D" Step

"D" is for: Define (or re-define) the Challenge

Take a few moments to get a clearer picture of the Challenge by defining it with a simple sketch that (metaphorically) identifies:

• an existing situation (as one makes sense of it),
• an empty space or "gap" (where the process to bring about change will eventually go), and
• the specific desired outcome(s) of a process intended to change the existing situation.

Test the validity of your sense of the existing situation; as appropriate, re-define the Challenge.

The "O" Step

"O" is for: Operationalize the Definition (of the Challenge)

Before one can operationalize, one must evaluate the difference (between the existing situation and the desired outcome) to determine:

• WHICH events need to happen (to "bridge the gap" or "fill the empty space"),
• WHAT order those events should occur in, and
• WHAT is required (e.g., materials, labor, information, time) for each event.

To operationalize the definition (of the Challenge), develop a plan of action (which will bring about the desired outcome) from the findings of the evaluation.

The "E" Step

"E" is for: Execute the Plan of Action

The "R" Step

"R" is for: Review and Revise during the Execution

Review

Review the definition because the details (of a particular defintion) tend to change (during the O and E steps).

Review the execution (from time-to-time) to make sure the various phases of execution are progressing in a manner that:

• is timely,
• orderly, and
• effective (i.e., will bring about the desired outcome).

Revise

Revise the plan (of action) to accomodate one (or more) significant changes in the definition (of a particular Challenge),

• so the execution will remain timely, orderly, and effective.