GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Step 5: Select the Best AlternativeIntroductionAfter weighing alternatives, one or two should stand above the rest. Pick thebest one, coordinate the action, and send it forward for approval.Consider each alternative carefully, but don't waste time trying to pick theperfect solution. Remember the Principle of Flexibility discussed in Chapter 1:Since there's usually more than one way to do something well, we need notwaste effort seeking the one best way.. . . a good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan next week.--General George S. Patton, Jr., War as I Knew It.Step 6: Obtain Approval and Implement the DecisionFollow upOutline plansKeep updatedYour job doesn't end with the recommendation winning approval. Follow upaggressively with implementing actions, or the decision will fail for lack ofresolve or timid execution. Use these means to follow up on a decision:x A complete plan ready for execution (or an outline plan if appropriate).x A memorandum for record (MFR) to record who does what.x Milestones.x Progress reports.If assured the decision maker will adopt your recommendation, then prepare acomplete plan, ready for implementation. If unsure, then prepare outline plansfor alternatives the decision maker would be most likely to choose.An outline plan is a preliminary or skeleton plan that's a basis for furtherplanning. It contains enough information to enable detailed planning to begin.An outline plan enables a planner to--x Provide information to the decision maker.x Seek allocation of resources.x Obtain recommendations from those involved or affected.x Initiate and expedite planning at lower levels.x Test a course of action before beginning detailed planning.x Save time.Keep outline plans updated, for the adopted alternative may later be abandonedand replaced with another.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 5-9