How can you determine if a problem is worth solving?

1 Identify the problem

In order to determine if a problem is worth solving, it is important to first identify it clearly and accurately. A problem is essentially a gap between the current situation and the desired outcome, and it can be either internal or external. Internal problems can refer to low conversion rates, inefficient workflows, or lack of training, while external problems can refer to unmet needs, dissatisfaction, or market changes. To identify the problem, you should ask yourself or your stakeholders some key questions, such as what is causing the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome? How big is the gap and how does it affect your sales goals and performance? Who is involved in or affected by the problem and what are their expectations and preferences? And how long has the problem existed and how urgent is it to solve it?

2 Analyze the problem

The second step to determine if a problem is worth solving is to analyze it in depth and detail. A problem can have multiple causes, effects, and dimensions, so it’s important to understand them before finding a solution. To do this, you can use tools and techniques such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Principle, and SWOT Analysis. The 5 Whys is a simple but effective method to identify the root cause of a problem by asking “why” repeatedly. The Fishbone Diagram is a visual tool that helps you organize the possible causes of a problem into categories. The Pareto Principle states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes, so it helps prioritize the most significant factors that contribute to a problem. The SWOT Analysis is a framework that evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a problem and its potential solutions.

3 Evaluate the problem

The third step to determine if a problem is worth solving is to evaluate it based on criteria and metrics. You need to assess the importance, urgency, complexity, and feasibility of a problem before deciding to solve it or not. To do this, you can use methods such as the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps classify a problem into four quadrants based on its urgency and importance. The SMART Criteria provides guidelines to define and measure a problem and its solution. Additionally, the Cost-Benefit Analysis helps compare the costs and benefits of solving a problem versus not solving it, allowing you to determine the net value and return on investment of your problem-solving efforts.

4 Solve the problem

The fourth step to determine if a problem is worth solving is to solve it effectively and efficiently. A problem can have multiple solutions, and you need to choose the best one based on your analysis and evaluation. To do so, you should start by brainstorming to generate as many ideas as possible without judging or filtering them. Then, you can test the ideas and solutions by experimenting, prototyping, or piloting them with real or simulated data, feedback, or scenarios. After that, you can implement the solution by planning, organizing, and coordinating the necessary actions, resources, and stakeholders. Finally, you should review the results and outcomes of your solution by collecting, analyzing, and reporting the relevant data, indicators, and feedback.

5 Improve the problem

The fifth step to determine if a problem is worth solving is to improve it continuously and consistently. A problem can have new or emerging aspects, challenges, or opportunities, and you need to adapt and optimize your solution accordingly. To do this, you should apply the PDCA Cycle - which helps you improve your problem-solving skills and results by following four steps: plan, do, check, and act - as well as the Kaizen Approach - a philosophy that helps you improve your problem-solving culture and performance by making small but constant changes and improvements. Additionally, the Feedback Loop system promotes better communication and collaboration by giving and receiving constructive and actionable feedback from yourself and others.

6 Learn from the problem

The sixth and final step to determine if a problem is worth solving is to learn from it and leverage it for future growth and development. A problem can have valuable lessons, insights, and opportunities, and you need to capture and apply them to your sales skills, strategies, and results. To do this, you should reflect on what worked well and what didn't work well, document the problem log and portfolio, as well as share your insights on a problem forum or workshop. Reflection questions might include: what did you learn and what can you improve? What are the best practices and pitfalls to avoid? Documenting the problem log can help you track and manage the problems that you encounter, solve, or improve, while a problem portfolio can showcase the problems that you solved or improved. Sharing your insights via a problem forum or workshop can help you discuss and collaborate on challenges, solutions, and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?