We solve problems and make decisions everyday/all the day:
at home, at work, at play, even at the grocery store!

Some problems and decisions are very challenging,
and require a lot of thought, emotion, and research.  The steps of this guide are designed to help you make good decisions
Good luck!

Flexibility

This procedure looks as if one moves neatly from step to step. This isn't the case.  These steps simply provide a structure for working on the problem. They overlap, and you may have to return to earlier steps or work them simultaneously as you find the best solution.

Examples of flexibility:

• Information gathering occurs in all steps—from recognition of the problem to implementation of its solution
• New information may force you to redefine the problem
• Alternatives may be unworkable, and you'll have to find new ones
• Some steps may be combined or abbreviated

Step 2:  Defining the problem & gathering information

Adapted with permission from
Beckno, John, Action Officer, Chapter 3, Army's Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia