Arrive at a

recommendation:
Key Takeaways
Problem Solving

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Key takeaways
Core content
What is a recommendation?
 Arriving at a recommendation
encompasses the final four steps of the
hypothesis-led problem-solving
approach, specifically:
— Planning and conducting analyses
and work,
— Synthesizing findings, and
— Developing recommendations
Why is a recommendation
important?
 Problem-solving projects occur around
initiatives or decision making that has
higher stakes for your organization. A
powerful recommendation can eliminate
the following challenges:
— Wasting time and energy on
analyses that are not necessary or
impactful
— Failing to sequence your work
appropriately and failing to get buy-in
from key stakeholders
Section 5 – Arrive at a recommendation
How do I apply what I’ve
learned?
 The following are helpful tools/techniques
associated with the four steps:
— A work plan helps ensure you’re doing
the right analyses at the right time, and
have considered dependencies
— The influence model provides a
framework for thinking about strategies
to change mindsets and behaviors
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 Section 5 – Arrive at a recommendation

Work Plan
Worksheet

Hypothesis/ Timing/
Issue rationale End product Analyses Sources responsibility

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 Section 5 – Arrive at a recommendation

Best practice work planning

Tips/techniques

Early Make sure data and other critical items come in as early as possible.

Often Revise your work plan as you update and improve your issues and
hypotheses.

Specific Be specific on analysis and sources.

Share Test with team members; try alternative hypotheses.

Milestones Be disciplined—deliver on time using 80/20.

Simple Push detailed work plans out only 2-4 weeks ahead. Don’t write an
encyclopedia. Keep it simple. Take it piece by piece.

Realistic Make it manageable and realistic; otherwise it will not be used.

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 Section 5 – Arrive at a recommendation

Influence model
Core content
4 1
Fostering
Role modeling understanding and
“…I see my leaders, conviction
colleagues, and staff “... I understand
behaving differently.” what is being asked
of me, and it makes
sense.”

“I will change
my mindset and
3 behavior if …”
2

Developing talent and

skills Reinforcing
“…I have the skills mechanisms
and opportunities to “…I see that our structures,
behave in the new processes, and systems
way.” support the changes I am
being asked to make.”

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