Systematic Approach to getting things done
Coverdale Training created this model by noticing what successful groups of people did when they were engaged in tasks.
The method will help your working groups succeed. You work through the stages below in the order they appear.
The Systematic Approach
What? | How? | Why? |
Aims | Clarify by discussion the purpose and objective of the task. Ask what we will have if our task is successful. It might be a plan. | It helps to agree on what you are trying to do and why before starting work. |
Information | Collect or generate information that will help to achieve the aims. Information can be facts or ideas, experiences and feelings. | You will be more effective if the information relates to the task. |
What has to be done | Given the information, decide what to do to achieve your aim. | To move the process towards action. |
Plan | Decide who will do what and when to achieve your aims. Make the actions clear and concrete. | You need to think clearly and act powerfully to achieve anything. |
Act | Put the plan into effect. | So something happens “in the world” to achieve your aim. |
Review | Look at how your plans have worked in practice. If all is well, then celebrate and learn from what worked. If you need to do more, revisit the systematic Approach. Always take time to understand what you have done that has worked. Think about how to improve it next time. | Reviewing improves the task outcome and your effectiveness in working together. |
You will be unlikely to get beyond the planning stage at a meeting. Action will happen afterwards. Reviewing is always helpful.