The intention is to move from the question at the start of the phase to the position at the end of the phase:
Should we fix the problem? → We will tackle the problem (or stop)
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High Level Exploration
After initial interest and preliminary discussions, a kick-off session is held with identified stakeholders that will aim to answer the following questions:
Who - Are the stakeholders identified so far the right stakeholders? Refer to the Problem Statement stakeholder list. Who is in the delivery team. Is anyone missing? Have we represented all of the areas that will need to be involved - either as contributors or as recipients?
Why - What are the aims of using workforce planning for both longer-term ultimate goals and short-term priorities for showing value?
What - What is the boundary scope of what we will change and what we won’t (at a high level)?
Where - What is the boundary scope of which groups or business areas are included or excluded?
When - What is the expected timeframe? When would be a good time to start (when would the necessary people be available)? Are there any milestone dates that give us opportunities for leverage and/or validation?
Assessment
Once the questions in the high-level exploration have been discussed, the group will take time for reflection on the following questions:
Is it likely that the effort will succeed in addressing the problem?
Do we have the capability and capacity to do this as far as we know?
Are we willing and able to support this initiative at this time?
If there is general agreement that the answer to all these questions is yes, an explicit commitment to move to Discovery will be sought.
If the answer to any of these questions is no, or explicit commitment is not forthcoming, the group will decide on next steps - further discussion or clarification activities, or just stop.
Outcomes and Resources
Desired Outcomes
Shared understanding with the customer around Workforce Planning
Endorsement to proceed with the Discovery phase, with an eye on a Pilot being run at a specific date
Documented results of the kick-off meeting and endorsement