A useful way to protect your implementation plan is to perform a potential problem analysis.
Step 1: Next to each activity list events and factors that might prevent that activity from being carried out successfully.
Step 2: Rate these potential problems in term of their likelihood and their impact, using a high/medium/ low rating.
Your analysis at this point might look something like this:
| Activity | Potential problem | Likelyhood | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtain union support for screening programme | Labour strike Lack of interest from shop stewards |
L H |
M H |
Step 3: Select those potential problems which have a high or medium likelihood as well as a high impact
Step 4: Against each of these important potential problems, decide whether you can do anything to prevent them (or to reduce their likelihood or impact). These are preventive actions
Step 5: Clearly decide at what point you will know whether the problem is starting to occur. It is very important to define the "trigger point" for action, since problems often gradually creep up one you!
Step 6: Document those actions you will take if and when these potential problems arise ( this forms the contingency actions)
| Potential problem | Preventive action | Trigger point | Contingent action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lack of interest from shop stewards | Involve shop stewards early in the planning process | Poor attendance at meetings | Meet with individual union leaders on a one-to-one basis |