What is the first step in solving problems according to the Doctrine of Completed Staff Work?

The Doctrine of Completed Staff Work emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and understanding before any solutions are put into action. The first step in this approach is identifying and analyzing the issues at hand. This foundational step ensures that all relevant factors are considered, and the core problems are understood clearly. By fully grasping the nature of the issues, one can develop a more effective and targeted solution.

Recognizing the issues allows for a structured approach to problem-solving, enabling the team to gather necessary data and insights that inform subsequent actions. It is essential because implementing a solution without first analyzing the problems could lead to ineffective or misguided efforts. Gathering employee feedback and communicating outcomes are valuable steps that follow the initial analysis, but they rely on a solid understanding of the issues to be most effective and pertinent.