practice, you will probably need to adjust this sequence to fit the moment. Developments in one phase may cause you to readjust or reconsider factors in a previous step. The following are the seven steps to problem solving: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Recognize  the  problem Gather the data List all possible solutions Test/discuss  possible  solutions Select the best possible solution Implement Follow-up RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM Can you take a trip without first deciding what method of transportation to use or without knowing where  you  want  to  go?  Obviously,  you  must  recognize your need to get from one place to another. Secondly, you must know your goals or the place you intend to visit. You must consider the obstacles such as cost, time, available transportation, and routes to take. The above factors contribute to recognizing your problem through analysis  of  the  elements. GATHER THE DATA You now have a goal and you have identified the things that stand between you and success. Next, you must  get  all  the  information  you  need  to  solve  the problem. You need to know about road conditions as well as bus, train, and airline schedules and fares. Divide this information into the following categories: Facts–These are known truths. For example, you can call the highway patrol for road conditions, you can consult schedules for trip times, and a map will provide distance  information. Assumptions–Some data is assumed, such as the accuracy  of  information  concerning  fares  and  possible routes. Criteria–A criterion is a standard of judging. This is most important in data gathering. It is a rule by which you measure such things as facts, principles, opinions, and  assumptions.  In  problem  solving,  you  should always have some criteria to consider. For example, you might  consider  criteria  such  as  the  following:  departure must be between 0800 and 1000, arrival must be before 1700, luggage must include two suitcases and a trunk, and travel money is limited to $75. The criteria will help you decide which method of travel to use. The bus may be too slow. The train may leave too early. Airfare may exceed available funds. Whatever criteria you set up will help  you  decide  between  alternatives. LIST ALL POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Where do you find possible solutions? You may get ideas  almost  immediately.  The  longer  you  study, consider,   and   think   about   solutions,   the   more alternatives you will have. Solving the first two steps to problem  solving  should  generate  some  viable alternatives along the way. TEST/DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS In every instance, you should consider each possible solution  against  the  established  criteria.  Evaluate  your solution  by  asking  yourself  or  others  the  following questions: Is  the  solution  suitable?  Will  this  solution produce the desired results? Will it do the job? Is  the  solution  feasible?  Do  the  means  for completing the job by this method exist? Can the job  be  accomplished  this  way? Is the solution acceptable? Is the solution going to  be  cost-effective?  Will  it  fit  command directives?  Even  if  the  solution  is  cheaper,  will it be more time-consuming? SELECT THE BEST POSSIBLE SOLUTION At this point, you can decide on the best solution by eliminating those that do not meet your criteria. For example, in planning your trip, you may eliminate rail, bus, and air travel because they do not fit your criteria. You may decide that driving your car is the best solution to the problem. Of  course  most  problems  are  not  this  simple.  You will frequently find two or more alternatives that meet all your criteria. You must then decide which will be the best. This may well be the hardest part of decision making  because  it  causes  you  to  fall  into  a mission-oriented frame of reference. Which alternative is best for the overall mission? Which will best dovetail with  other  ongoing  projects?  Which  pays  the  most dividends  in  the  long  run? 4-12