Thinking the Problem Through
Defining what the outcome should be when working through a problem
What is a problem statement?
Jim overslept his alarm, so he was late to work.
What is a consequence?
You're sure of the problem and immediately work to solve it.
What is "jumping to answers too quickly"?
Asking this one word question multiple times to determine the root cause.
What is 'why'?
Examples of this action include gaining insight from veterans, following past models, and avoiding past pitfalls
What is examine past efforts?
Nancy tripped and fell. She examined what happened and realized her shoe was untied.
What is a cause?
The client shares a problem and you hesitate to find more.
What is "unwilling to make a problem worse"?
Repeatedly asking the consequence of an answer seven times.
What are the "seven so-what's"?
Asking who are the stakeholders, how will they support, and how will they derail
What are focused questions?
Billy failed one section of his math test on fractions. After his test he found out that his dog had eaten his flash cards about fractions, so he never saw them.
What is a cause?
Your recommendation is insightful, but doesn't make an impact.
What is "focus on things that don't matter"?
Step up to the high-level problem and ask "how does this analysis tie to the problem?"
What is "taking the high road"?
The real cause and consequences of an issue.
What is a root cause?
You acknowledge missing a deadline on a deliverable would upset the client.
What is a consequence?
Looking at the high road and exploring relationships between solutions are critical thinking tools that can help avoid this pitfall.
What is "accepting analytical results at face value"?
Challenging the business model for how your client delivers services is an example of this critical thinking tool.
What is "challenging how the business operates"?
Changing your point of view.
What is "using a new lense to think critically"?
Your project is experiencing cost overruns. You review your project plan and discover the original scope was incorrect in determining cost.
What is a cause?
The seven so-whats can be a powerful tool to help avoid this pitfall.
What is "not thinking through the consequences"??
In this theory 20% of the drivers will yield 80% of the impact, whereas 80% of drivers will only yield 20% of the impact.
What is the Pareto Principle?