Taking action in high pressure situations

Having a strategy in place for taking action under pressure can help you to perform more effectively. Use the table to review the steps of the process and the actions associated with each step.

Step	Action
1. Question the challenge	Ask: ·        How urgent is it? ·        How much time do I have to address it? ·        What additional information do I need to be able to respond to it?
2. Identify your goal	Ask: ·        What do I need to achieve?
3. Generate and evaluate possible solutions	Imagine alternative solutions Think of potential negative effects of proposed solutions Discuss proposed solutions with a colleague or mentor Select the most acceptable solution
4. Design an action plan	Divide what has to be done into manageable tasks Assign specific times for accomplishing these tasks Make sure one element can be done immediately to build momentum