A dilemma solving coaching tool

A useful critical thinking pathway to help with dilemmas can be summarised as an eight-step process:

1.    State the central dilemma as clearly and briefly as you can. Remember there are two sides to a dilemma.

Use a single and concise sentence to describe the key issue involved. Doing this starts the process of clarification

2.    Describe the two sides as completely and clearly as you can.

              Now describe the two sides in fine detail – this builds your thinking further and helps you effectively step in to the problem

3.    Gather facts pertinent to each side of the dilemma. Move toward discovery of a resolution.

Complete more research about the two sides to ensure a wider and deeper perspective

4.    Identify your bias (es) in the matter. This can assist in determining whether or not you are truly objective about the situation, and where you are not so that you may be more open in your thinking about it.

We all have values, beliefs and attitudes that can lead to selective filtering of information so think carefully about how they are having an impact on your objectivity

5.    Bring in new or alternative views of the dilemma. This may be a sort of brainstorming process which considers every idea - from the silly to the sublime, from the logical to the dramatic.

Seek the views of friends, colleagues and professionals to build a rich picture and improve your decision making. Read about how others have approached your dilemma.

 

6.    Begin to weigh and consider the various alternatives identified

You might for example use a helpful structure to enable a review of alternatives such as considering the impact of your decision on 8 key life dimensions ( and other dimensions you wish to add)  in 7 specific areas

  ( Clarity,Capability,Communication,Confidence,Commitment ,Congruence, Climate.)

 

 

				THE SEVEN C'S : How people can be more effective (process)
		1	2	3	4	5	6	7
	8 LIFE DIMENSIONS	CLARITY	CAPABILITY	CONFIDENCE	COMMITMENT	COMMUNICATION	CONGRUENCE	CLIMATE
	Content /Psychological
	and Social needs
	Where peoples concerns arise
1	Relationship with yourself
2	Relationship with intimate others
3	Relationship with work colleagues
4	General interpersonal skills
5	Acquiring & Managing money
6	Career
7	Health
8	Relaxation

 

 

 

7.    Preview the consequences of alternative actions or decisions using helpful models/methods  :

 

You could complete a SWOT analysis of alternatives looking at the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats implied by any course of action or alternative. Also consider the time dimension involved – what is the likely impact and risk profile of your alternative options in the short, medium and long term.

 

STRENGTHS	OPPORTUNITES
WEAKNESSES	THREATS

 

 

 

 

When you have mapped out your SWOT analysis you can consider the weaknesses and threats implied and consider how the strengths and opportunities can overcome them. This helps to improve your decision making.

 

For wider reaching, complex options you may also need to consider if there are Political, Economic, Social, Technological,

Legal or Environmental impacts involved (PESTLE analysis)

 

You may also want to score options and their components on a scale between 1 and 10 to help guide your selection where 10 is highly preferred and 1 is seen as not preferred.

 

8.    Make your optimal decision and monitor its impact

 

When you have selected your preferred action/option/alternative make sure that you also have a contingency plan (plan B) if things do not work out as well as you would have hoped for.

 

Define the benefits of the option you have selected and any outstanding concerns so that you can consider how the concerns can be proactively managed

 

 

BENEFITS:
CONCERNS:	HOW I WILL MANAGE CONCERNS: