What do you do if your problem-solving abilities in Strategy need a boost from new technology?

There are a few steps you can do if you face this situation. 1- Understand the nature and scope of your problem by define a clear goals, constraints, and criteria. 2- Use technology to gather, organize, and visualize relevant data. 3- Generate Alternatives by explore different ways to solve the problem. 4- Choose a Solution by evalua potential solutions based on feasibility, desirability, and viability.Test and validate solutions before implementation. 5- Finally ,monitor progress and adjust as needed.

If you feel your problem-solving abilities in strategy could benefit from new technology, consider these steps: Pinpoint specific aspects of your strategy where technology could enhance problem-solving. Stay updated on emerging technologies relevant to your field, such as AI, data analytics, or automation tools. Test out different technologies to see how they can streamline processes, provide insights, or offer new perspectives on problem-solving. Partner with colleagues or external experts who have expertise in both strategy and technology to brainstorm innovative solutions. Continuously assess the impact of technology on your problem-solving abilities and be open to adjusting your approach as needed.

If your problem-solving abilities in Strategy need a boost from new technology, invest in acquiring relevant technological tools, leverage data analytics, AI-driven insights, and digital platforms to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and gain competitive advantage in strategic planning and execution.

Framing the problem in a clear and concise manner is key. By articulating the problem statement with precision, we can ensure alignment (and buy-in) across teams and foster a shared understanding of the challenges at hand. Utilising technology "can" aid in gathering, organising, and visualising data. Tools such as online surveys, mind mapping software, dashboards, Pugh matrices and charts enable us to gather information effectively, helping good decision-making.

Generating a breadth of solutions requires an open-minded approach, where ideas are welcomed without immediate judgment. Employing divergent thinking, teams can explore wide-ranging possibilities, using online whiteboards and ideation platforms for collaborative brainstorming. Convergent thinking then comes into play to refine and narrow down options, focusing on feasibility and impact. Existing solutions can be reimagined or combined through this process, with simulation tools offering a way to test and evaluate the potential of new ideas. This blend of creativity and technology ensures a comprehensive exploration of solutions, maximizing the chances of identifying effective strategies.

Brainstorming sessions: Encourage free-flowing idea generation without criticism. Mind mapping: Create visual representations to explore interconnected ideas. SCAMPER technique: Systematically examine existing solutions and brainstorm modifications or improvements. Analogous thinking: Draw parallels from unrelated domains to inspire innovative solutions. System models and ideas and perhaps techniques like TRIZ SIT depending on the problem at hand

Leveraging technology can significantly enhance problem-solving in strategy. Tools like decision matrices can help compare and rank solutions based on key criteria like feasibility, desirability, and viability. Scenario analysis software allows for the exploration of different outcomes, helping to test and validate solutions in a risk-free environment. Additionally, feedback tools can provide real-time insights from stakeholders, further informing the decision-making process. These technologies facilitate informed, rational choices, while also helping to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.

Once a list of potential solutions is generated, the next normal step is to select the most suitable one for the situation. This involves comparing and ranking solutions based on their feasibility (tools like Pugh again etc), desirability, and viability. Technology can aid in making informed choices by employing decision matrices, scenario analysis, and feedback tools. Testing and validation of solutions are crucial to ensure their effectiveness before implementation. Anticipating and mitigating risks and uncertainties associated with the chosen solution is essential for successful outcomes. I'm also a fan of specific tools like Decision Support MAtrix (DSM) ideas

Utilizing technology post-implementation is crucial for evaluating and refining strategic solutions. Online surveys can gather stakeholder feedback, while reporting tools can measure outcomes against predefined goals and criteria. Identifying gaps and addressing issues becomes more manageable with data analytics, pinpointing areas for improvement. Learning platforms and knowledge management systems are excellent for capturing and disseminating lessons and best practices, facilitating organizational learning. These technological tools not only aid in assessing the effectiveness of solutions but also enhance strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities for future endeavors.

Embrace a hybrid approach. While new technology can enhance problem-solving in strategy, don't rely on it alone. Combine it with traditional analytical methods and human intuition for a comprehensive solution. Technology is a tool, not a panacea.

You are NOT going to get it right every time... use the opportunity to reflect and constantly adjust your "as expected" and "as observed" behaviours or outcomes and constantly update your mental model of what works and perhaps doesn't.