Ranking Question

[James Robert Crow <jr1crow@mindspring.com>]

Hello Group:

All problems are not created equal.  There is every reason to believe that
there are a lot of items on your agenda that probably do not deserve any
discussion at all while others could have a baring on the future of the
organization.

Priorities:  During WWII the Allies determined early on that Germany was
the greatest danger and resolved that the defeat of the Axis powers would
have top priority.  The defeat of Japan would be secondary.  In putting
together an agenda you also need to determine priorities.

I favor an A, B, C system.

Go through the items on the agenda, what are the things that must be
discussed and decisions made on during this meeting.  These become A's.

Next determine the second level of priorities.  These become B's

What's left are C's

Now go back to your A's.  What is the one issue that must be discussed
during this meeting.  If we don't discuss anything else what is this issue.
 This becomes your A'1 and that is where your meeting should begin.  You
can also take an additional step.  Go back to your B's.  They should either
become A's or C's.  They are either worth your time or not.

You should not confuse ranking issues for discussion during a meeting with
ranking people.  As I said in the beginning, all problems are not created
equal.  People are not created equal either, but raning your people can be
very destructive while not ranking you problems or issues can be
destructive also, but for a different reason.  
Robert Crow
Principal
Crow Consulting
165 River North Circle NW
Atlanta, GA 30328 USA
Voice 770-396-2280
FAX 770-396-7010
jr1crow@mindspring.com
www.crowgroup.net