Use this when you want to make good decisions that are thoughtful and will last.
STOP is an acronym that stands for “Sit, Think, Observe, and Plan.” It is a problem-solving and decision-making tool that can be used to help individuals 🫦 or teams effectively handle challenges and make better 🤯decisions.
Here is how each letter in the STOP acronym is typically defined:
👉🏻Sit. Take a moment to pause and calm yourself. This can help to reduce stress and allow you to think more clearly.
👉🏻Think. Reflect on the situation and consider your options. This may involve brainstorming or gathering input from others.
👉🏻Observe. Gather as much information as possible about the situation. This may involve looking for patterns or trends, analyzing data, or seeking feedback.
👉🏻Plan. Develop a clear and actionable plan for addressing the problem or making a decision. This may involve setting specific goals and establishing a timeline with milestones for achieving your objective.
Where did this tool come from? 🤷🏻♀️
One possible origin of the STOP method is in psychology, where it is sometimes used to help individuals manage stress and anxiety. The STOP method can also be used in a variety of contexts, including education, business, and personal development.
All in all, the STOP method is designed to help you approach challenges and decisions in a structured and proactive way, leading to better, more positive 🎉 outcomes.
If you find the STOP poster useful, it’s been made so you can print it out and place near your desk so you have it when you need it 😉
Reach out to me, Karla Schlaepfer (Founder DesignChange and PCC accredited coach) for a free 20-minute call, if you’d like to discuss more proactive ways of managing stress.