STOP Analysis

Like always we will keep this simple.

S                 T                 O                P

                  

         Situation            Target              Obstacle         Proposal

Why Use It

This is a beautiful and practical brainstorming tool designed to clarify a current situation, define a desired target, and develop proposed solutions. This technique is particularly useful if the situation is multifaceted. It helps the team focus on one specific part of the problem at a time. This minimizes jumping around to different aspects of the situation, which can cause confusion.  In many cases, developing a combination of coordinated ideas is preferable to developing just one grand idea.

NB: This tool can be used in business and personal life.

How to Use It

The team organizes information into the following four categories:

• Situation: Identifies the undesirable elements in the current state.

• Target: Identifies the ideal or desired state.

• Obstacles: Identifies the obstacle(s) that need to be overcome.

• Proposal: Identifies the ideas and actions that will move the current state to the desired state.

To get the full benefit of this tool, these steps must be followed and it is best done on the template below.

Step	Action
1	Write the headings: “Situation, Target, Obstacles and Proposal” on a white board or sheet paper as in the template below.
2	Brainstorm all the undesirable elements in the current state. Write them down in the Situation column. Make sure all elements are clearly understood, agreed upon and not just bias or rumor.
3	For each element, identify the desired state or what it would be like if things were ideal. List them in the Target column. Note: Define ideal from a realistic perspective.
4	For each Target, list the main obstacle(s) in the current state that is preventing you from reaching the desired state. Put them in obstacle column.
5	Develop ideas that remove the obstacle and reach the desired state. List them in the Proposal column. Note: If needed, use other ideation tools (tools for creating or generating ideas) to help stimulate innovative thinking.
6	From the Proposal column, choose the actions that should be undertaken.

STOP Situation-Target-Obstacles-Proposal Template Situations (Current state undesirable* elements) Targets (Desired or goal state) Obstacles (What prevents reaching the target) Proposals (Ideas for removing obstacles and moving from current to desired state) * Also Consider  listing desirable elements to analyze how they might be improved.  Contributors are needed for this blog, (guest posts) if you have anything that you know will add value or that someone can learn from and you are willing to share with others, please contact me via ucheagu@gmail.com Contributors will be acknowledged in their articles.