West Point Military Problem Solving Process

West Point, the famed U.S. military educational academy, has distilled the problem solving process into a beautifully simple process with seven guidelines to stay rational.

This process is drilled into the military so that in times of extreme stress they have a proven process they can rely on.

You must:

1. Recognise and Define the Problem.
2. Gather Facts and Make Assumptions.
3. Define End States and Establish Criteria.
4. Develop Possible Solutions.
5. Analyse and Compare Possible Solutions.
6. Select and Implement Solution.
7. Analyse Solution for Effectiveness.

Simple, effective and useful.