When reviewing PINS, use the table below to determine if this is a decision the team can make on their own:

Next, use this "How to Resolve PINS Guide" to determine the level of difficulty to resolve (L1-L4). It can help you understand how long it will take, who might be needed, and if/when to advance to other councils for assistance. 

Determine PINS priority and whether to pursue.

What is the degree of URGENCY?

• High = preventing work
• Medium = needs attention
• Low = nice to have

What is the FEASIBILITY?

• Can the PINS be achieved with existing resources?
• Does the team have bandwidth to address?

Is it IMPORTANT to the team?

• All members should feel accountable for the group’s decisions and final outcomes.
• If you don’t have consensus, take a vote! (see Shared Governance Bylaws)

Designate who will do what, by when.

All members should feel accountable for the group’s decisions and final outcomes.

1.  Identify team members to work on PINS.

• Ask for volunteers. Start with the individual(s) who identified the PINS. 
• If no one volunteers, consider if this is something that meets urgency/feasibility criteria and if it should be placed on hold.
• Consider initially partnering less experienced staff with more experienced staff to foster skill development and increase confidence in abilities.

2.  Once staff are identified to work on PINS:

• See "Resoliving PINS" below.
• Team Chairs enter PINS into Empower U Website and informs manager of support needed (if any).
• Work with manager:
  • Resources and support
  • Remove barriers
  • Create time for team to work
    • During shift (redistribute workload)
    • Designate protected time away from regular work duties/hours

"Level 1: Just-Do-It" is used for PINS that are straight forward and easy to resolve within a few days to a week. It involves identifying and completing a series of basic tasks using a Task List until done. 

Download the Just-Do-It Template and follow the step-by-step guide here.

"Level 2: Plan-Do-Study-Act" is for PINS that impact the local team and department only. PDSA involves completing 2-3 basic improvement cycles that range anywhere from 7-45 days to complete.

Download PDSA Templates and follow the step-by-step guide here.

“Level 3: Complex” is when the solution is unclear, stakes are higher, and resolving it will require data, resources, time, and/or approval from multiple people.

Over the next three months, Mentors, Excellence, and Coordinating Councils are learning how best to resolve Level 3 PINS for shared governance.

For now, teams only submit Level 3 PINS via the Shared Governance app.

“Level 4: Research/System” is when the solution is unknown, and it that may require a research study, innovation, or significant system support to resolve. These are often the big systemic problems with no easy fix (e.g., campus parking, addressing patient behavioral issues), or solutions that require a research project or innovation.

Over the next three months, Mentor, Excellence, and Coordinating Councils are learning how best to approve and resource Level 4 PINS for shared governance.

For now, teams only submit Level 4 PINS via the Shared Governance app.

As always, visit the Shared Governance Pulse site for the most up to date information.