Chapter 7
Step 4: Select & Plan
Step 4Criteria MatrixPaired ComparisonsBalance SheetCost BenefitRaci
Step 4: Select & Plan. Objective decision-making with criteria matrices, paired comparisons, RACI charts, and implementation planning.
Step 4 is where divergent thinking becomes convergent thinking. The ideas generated in Step 3 now face objective evaluation. The goal is to select the best solution on evidence, not opinion, and then plan its execution in detail.
The criteria matrix is the workhorse of this step. Define what matters, weight each criterion by importance, score each solution, and let the math decide.
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- •Set evaluation criteria and weights before scoring solutions to prevent bias
- •Use a Balance Sheet (pros/cons) and Cost-Benefit Analysis to pressure-test top candidates before scoring
- •Every task in the implementation plan needs exactly one Accountable person (RACI)
- •Build the plan backward from the target date to surface unrealistic timelines
- •Include risk mitigation and a rollback plan — hope is not a strategy