REPLY Policy paradox and SD (SD6686)

[SDMAIL Bill Braun]

Posted by  Bill Braun <bbraun at hlthsys.com>

The implementations that have been most successful for me have been 
those where the approval of the solution, allocation of resources for 
the solution, and the implementation of the solution have all been part 
of the original problem statement. It ensures that all of these 
milestones receive their due from the beginning of the inquiry.

For example, "What solution to problem X will secure the support of 
adequate resources and the time and energy of those who will implement?"

Posed as such, I am mindful of engaging key stakeholders from the 
beginning. It is possible that the solution to problem X as stated above 
might be different from the "best" solution otherwise gleaned from a 
more critical inquiry. In a good number of cases some fraction of the 
best solution is better than no fraction of the best solution (should 
that best solution fail to secure the support of resources and 
implementers and fall flat). Success breeds success, and momentum can 
carry subsequent inquiries forward.

Posing the question as such may reveal that the timing is bad and moving 
forward would not be fruitful, or even counter-productive.

Such an approach is not always possible, or at least difficult. If the 
problem pits one internal stakeholder against another, or if the final 
approval will come from a person unknown or not accessible, then the 
political process is germane. If that is the case, I use "Political 
Analysis through the PRINCE System" by Coplin and O'Leary (ISBN 
0-936826-18-5) to plot a strategy for negotiating support, resources, 
and implementation.

Bill Braun
Posted by  Bill Braun <bbraun at hlthsys.com>
posting date  Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:00:44 -0500