The 1-3-1 rule is a practical framework designed to streamline decision-making and delegation processes within teams or organizations. This rule helps ensure that decisions are made efficiently and that all necessary information is communicated clearly between the decision-maker and the team. Here’s how the 1-3-1 rule breaks down:
One Problem: The individual or team responsible for initiating the decision-making process must clearly define and articulate the single problem they are addressing. This focus prevents confusion and ensures that everyone understands what specific issue is at hand.
Three Options: The person presenting the problem should also provide three viable options for solving it. These options should be distinct and feasible, offering different approaches or strategies to address the problem. This encourages creative thinking and ensures that the decision-maker isn’t locked into a single course of action without considering alternatives.
One Recommendation: Finally, of the three options, the presenter should recommend one as the best solution. This recommendation should be supported by a rationale that explains why it stands out from the other options in terms of benefits, costs, risks, and overall impact.
Example:
Problem Statement (One Problem)
The sales of GreenTech’s eco-friendly home energy monitor have been declining over the past six months. The product team needs to identify a strategy to reverse this trend and increase sales.
Options (Three Options)
Redesign the Product: Enhance the product's features and design to include real-time energy use alerts and integration with popular smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This redesign could appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking for advanced, interconnected home solutions.
Revamp Marketing Strategy: Shift the marketing focus to emphasize the cost-saving and environmental benefits of the product. Launch a new advertising campaign that includes social media influencers in the sustainability sector, targeted online ads, and partnerships with eco-conscious companies.
Introduce Bundle Offers: Create bundle packages that include the energy monitor along with other GreenTech products, such as smart light bulbs and eco-friendly appliances, at a discounted rate. This could attract customers interested in a comprehensive approach to eco-friendly living.
Recommendation (One Recommendation)
After analyzing the potential impact, costs, and alignment with company goals, the product team recommends the second option: Revamping the marketing strategy. This option is chosen because it directly addresses the key issue of visibility and consumer perception, which seem to be the main factors behind the sales decline. It leverages existing assets and relationships and can be implemented quickly compared to a full product redesign. The recommended strategy involves:
Partnering with well-known influencers in the environmental sustainability space to reach a broader audience.
Focusing advertising efforts on platforms frequented by eco-conscious consumers.
Highlighting testimonials and case studies that showcase the long-term cost savings and environmental impact of using the product.
Rationale for Recommendation
This option is likely to increase sales without the substantial upfront costs and time associated with redesigning the product. It also builds on the current market trend where consumers are increasingly influenced by social proof and targeted advertising. The campaign can be adjusted and optimized based on real-time feedback and data analytics, offering flexibility and potential for high return on investment.
In this way, the 1-3-1 rule helps GreenTech's team make a structured and well-considered decision, with a clear problem definition, multiple solutions for consideration, and a well-supported final recommendation to move forward.