Step by step
Write the current state
Describe what is happening now, what changed and what outcome you need. Avoid explanations until the facts are visible.
Check urgency and reversibility
Identify safety, money, legal, deadline or data-loss risks. Mark actions that cannot easily be undone.
Separate facts from assumptions
For each important claim, label what you observed, what another person said and what still needs verification.
Choose one information-producing action
Prefer a step that reduces uncertainty: take a measurement, find the contract, reproduce the error or ask the responsible organisation.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Desired outcome written
- Urgent risks checked
- Facts and assumptions separated
- Owner or authority identified
- One reversible next action chosen
Common problems
There are too many possible causes
Choose the cheapest safe test that divides the possibilities most clearly.
The next step depends on a rule or deadline
Use the responsible official source and note the jurisdiction and date checked.