TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
Base your diagnosis on an analysis of the factors likely to have
contributed to the problem: people, systems, structure and
circumstances.
People
- Have mistakes been made? If so, why? Is it because staff are
inadequate in themselves or is it because they have been
badly managed or trained? - If management is at fault, was the problem one of system,
structure or the managers themselves? - If the people doing the job are inadequate why were they
selected in the first place?
Systems
- To what extent are poor systems or procedures to blame for
the problem? - Is the fault in the systems themselves? Are they badly
designed or inappropriate? - Or is it the fault of the people who operate or manage the
systems?
Structure
- How far has the organization or management structure
contributed to the problem? - Do people know what is expected of them?
- Are activities grouped together logically, so that adequate
control can be exercised over them? - Are managers and supervisors clear about their responsibil-
ities for maintaining control and do they exercise these
responsibilities effectively?
Circumstances
- To what extent, if any, is the problem a result of circum-
stances beyond the control of those concerned? For example,
have external economic pressures or changing government
policies had a detrimental effect?
312 How to be an Even Better Manager