BUILDING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT
All SINGLE DOCUMENTS begin with a series of high-end questions focused on a project or issues under consideration. As each question is answered, the document should be modified and circulated, locking in agreed upon points in simple language. If there is a disagreement, the options should be captured, supporting an effort to resolve differences point by point. The resulting text should be revised as questions are answered, issues closed, or new questions uncovered.
Once there is a single answer for each question, the targeted outcome will have been clarified. The document is “Single” because it incorporates the piece-parts of discussion and writing that generally surround a growing project. In this way a SINGLE DOCUMENT is more than just a description of what has been said. Through the act of development, a well managed SINGLE DOCUMENT helps bring to closure by stimulating ongoing interaction.
If you cannot answer any question . . . KEEP ASKING.
OPENING DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS>
PRIMARY SOLUTIONS:
What is desired to be accomplished? By when?
What might add secondary value?
What must be avoided?
ASSETS:
What capabilities currently exist?
What successes have been achieved?
TRIPPING STONES:
What circumstances have gotten in the way?
SUPPORT:
Who has been involved in what way (seeing, influencing, etc.), at what time?
MANAGEMENT:
How have financial models (targets) been set? When?
Proactive vs. Reactive.
Who has reviewed them? How? When?
What level of funds have been paid out when? With what results?
Who might monitor progress as decisions have been OR might be made?
Who has given feedback as to what? To Whom? When?
To what criteria?
Communicated at which stages? How?
SEQUENCE (TIMELINES)
Who might be made aware that a process is underway?
When? For which purposes?
Who might see next drafts as a display of progress?