Should You Launch a Challenge?

Challenge Planning—Step 1 of 9

Planning leads to better results and more people participating in your challenge, so you'll want to:  

• Define your goal. Is a challenge the best way to achieve it? What problem are you trying to solve? Use this seven–point checklist (MS Word, 82 KB, 1 page, August 2011) to help you decide. 
• Make sure your proposed challenge supports your agency's mission.
• Define “success.” What would a successful challenge and outcome look like? Thinking about the end result is critical and will help you get started.

Jonathan Bays and Paul Jansen of McKinsey and Company wrote a white paper on the types of challenges and the planning process (PDF, 4 pages, 79 KB, August 2009). In it they suggest you ask yourself three questions as you begin the planning process: 

1. Can my objective be achieved in a measurable time frame?
2. Do I have a broad pool of solvers to tap into?
3. Will solvers think the prize is significant enough to enter the contest?

If you decide a challenge is not the best strategy to meet your needs, there are other ways to generate ideas from the public and employees. A traditional grant or procurement might be the best option. 

Next Step

The next step in planning your challenge is to know the relevant policies and legislation.

Content Lead: Karen Trebon
Page Reviewed/Updated: August 20, 2012