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Planning
Effective planning is usually the
result of seven specific steps.
1.
Consider the task.
This involves what has to be done,
who does what, when, where, and how.
2.
Consider the resources.
What time is available?
What are the skills of the group?
What equipment and supplies are needed and available'?
What other items should be considered?
3.
Consider alternatives.
What happens if something goes
wrong?
What are the emergency procedures?
What is the alternate plan?
Could the alternate plan be better than the original plan?
4.
Reach a decision.
Who has the responsibility'?
Is a poor decision better than no decision?
Is no decision a decision? Is a group decision best'?
A decision usually is needed at every step in the process.
5.
Write down the plan.
The act of writing down an action
plan may cause it to be revised or refined. The final plan might
need considerable discussion.
6. Put the plan into action.
All too often, great plans are
formed but never followed.
7.
Evaluate.
Evaluation must take place all
during this process. As each step is taken, it is evaluated
against the previous steps to assure that the original task is
still being considered.
In many ways,
the steps for planning are similar to those for problem solving.
Solving a problem is a type of planning; developing a plan is a
type of problem solving.
Substitute the
word problem for the
word task, and the
seven steps can be used in either case. When faced with a
specific project to complete or a problem to solve, a process
known as " verbal rehearsal" works well and is easily understood
by boys. Here the members of the group literally "talk it up" as
they decide how to approach the project or problem.
As in classic
problem‑ solving, seven steps are involved.
1.
What is the problem? A
problem is any situation that a group may
need or want to do something about. A clear understanding of the
problem. is needed before the group can set a goal.
2.
What's our goal? A
goal redefines the problem into a positive
statement that answers the question, "What do we want?" A goal
must be important to the group and must be realistic, not based
on wishful thinking. A Seal should require the group's best
effort, and members should feel good after reaching it.
3.
Stop and think.
Here the group should stop talking and allow each
person to examine the problem and goal before continuing to the
next step. Often boys and adults take the first suggestion that
is offered and jump directly into action. If group members take
a few moments to think and form their ideas. they will be able
to add some original thought to a plan to be followed.
4.
Make a plan. A
good planner is always looking for options. The
ability to think of a large number of possible pathways to reach
a goal is an important skill. "What happens if.. ?" examines the
consequences of a particular course of action. For each
alternative there are pros.
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