Fixing
Determining is the process of giving a clear framework to an issue: purpose, scope, criteria, principles, deadline or responsibility.
Definition
Determining reduces chaos because it turns guesses into concrete facts. It may concern boundaries, tasks, priorities, rules of cooperation, meanings of concepts or next steps. In practice, it is one of the simplest ways to reduce conflict and cognitive overload.
Key ideas
- Clear frames
- Less guesswork
- Specific criteria
Practice and life
Before a joint task, agree on three things: what we are doing, by when and how we will know when it is ready.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to assume that everyone understands the matter the same. It is also a mistake to specify too much, as it blocks the operation.
> What is undefined easily spreads all over the head.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What needs to be clarified?
- What criterion ends the matter?
- Who is responsible for what?