Here’s the simple three-step formula to apply to any problem you face or want to resolve in 2021 and beyond. It’s See, Judge, and Act.
- See: What exactly are your challenges and opportunities? Define the problem you want to be solved.
- Judge: What needs to happen in terms of steps, resources, training or people to solve the problem?
- Act: How will you know when the problem you wanted to be solved, is in fact solved?
Evaluating a problem using the same method above and then also illuminated by the principles of Catholic social teaching requires us to view a problem and its resolution in terms of good and right, and to act in ways to improve the situation not just for yourself or your business but for those around you who are affected by the problem.
In light of Catholic social teaching, the definitions for see, judge, and act change a bit.
- See, in addition to the description above, requires you to consider both good and evil factors that influence your business decisions.
- Judge, in addition to the description above, requires you to consider the problem and its resolution that respects human dignity, and service to the common good, all while keeping the vision that businesses are first a community of persons.
- Act, in addition to the description above, requires you to always acknowledge the gifts God has given you while also ensuring that the resolution to the problem you face helps make the workplace and the world a better place in which to live and to work.
If you’re not spending at least 5% of your week thinking through this method to solve your problems, you might be doing it wrong.
