It is possible to compare different solutions and options by considering the possible advantages and disadvantages of each.

Some organisations have a formal process that is required at this stage, including a financial assessment, so check beforehand if you are deciding at work.

One good way to do this is to use a ‘balance sheet‘, weighing up the pros and cons (benefits and costs) associated with that solution. Try to consider each aspect of the situation in turn and identify both good and bad.

For example, start with costs, then move onto staffing aspects, then perhaps presentational issues.

Having listed the pros and cons, it may be possible to immediately decide which option is best. It may also be useful to rate each of the pros and cons on a simple 1 to 10 scale (with 10 – most important to 1 – least important).

In scoring each of the pros and cons it helps to consider how important each item on the list is meeting the agreed values. This balance sheet approach allows this to be considered and presents it in a clear and straightforward manner.