You’re facing a complex problem with no clear solution. What’s the first step you take?

Before trying to find the answer, you need to define the question. You do not want to waste time, resources and emotions to solve the non-existing or poorly defined problem. First things first - start with a definition of bad outcomes of the problem. Is it decreased sales, customer loyalty or something else? After this initial phase you can start looking for the problem roots.

The first step when facing a complex problem with no clear solution is: Define the problem. Before any attempt to solve it, a clear understanding of the problem is crucial. This involves: Identifying the core issue: What exactly are you trying to solve? Is it a symptom of a larger issue? Defining boundaries and scope: What are the limitations and parameters of the problem? Gathering information: Collect relevant data, stakeholder perspectives, and context to gain a comprehensive understanding. By clearly defining the problem, you lay the foundation for effective analysis, creative idea generation, and ultimately, finding the best possible solution.

Complex problems usually can't be solved in one sitting by one person - usually they require collaboration between multiple parties and take at least a couple of sessions. Hence, the most critical thing to do is to first ask yourself why is it even critical to solve this problem and what will be the impact of solving it on a person / team / organization? That clarity will give you and the rest of your team the energy to approach the hard work of critically and creatively analyzing the problem from multiple perspectives.

Amidst the maze of obstacles where answers are hard to find, the path forward starts with one critical step: drawing out the detailed outline of the complicated issue we're facing. Gather all pertinent facts and data pertaining to the issue. Figure out what needs fixing right now and what can wait. Carry out pilot study programs to understand the sustainability of the solutions in hand. Seek advice from knowledgeable people or specialists in the field. Talk to someone knowledgeable in the field. Develop a deeper comprehension by gaining new ideas and viewpoints. It is essential to consistently track the progress and assess how well the solutions are working. Adapt the strategy as needed in response to comments made in real-time.

Defining the problem is absolutely crucial. It's often considered the most important step in the problem-solving process. Clarity and Focus: A well-defined problem clarifies what exactly needs to be solved. This helps you focus your efforts on the most important issues and avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant matters. Effective Solutions: Without a clear understanding of the problem, it's difficult to develop effective solutions. You might end up treating the symptoms or applying solutions that miss the mark entirely.

Generating ideas will give different perception to tackle the problem. Multiple tools are available, simple one like brainstorming could be very effective. Solutions come from unexpected place and often much simpler! But it needs different perception, different views! Get as many ideas as possible and then ypu can narrow down best one or combination of few!

? In a recent project as a freelance consultant, I sought to boost a subscription service’s customer retention. To provide successful recommendations, I carefully evaluated the feasibility, desirability, and viability of potential paths forward. I conducted a detailed pro/con analysis using a decision matrix to consider factors like impact, cost, and risk, then revisited a prior SWOT analysis to prioritize solutions aligned with the client's organizational traits. I evaluated the best options’ effectiveness through iterative analysis and computational modeling to refine and validate several practical, actionable recommendations. This experience underscored the significance of thorough idea evaluation in ensuring successful problem solving.

Lean into your strengths. Are you a creative visionary? If so, write down your overall end goal no matter how lofty. Imagine the step you took right before you reached it. Now imagine every backwards step until you're at your current position. Write down what tangible tools/tactics you would need for each step to be successful. If you can't deliver on these, whose help can you enlist? Maybe you're a pattern spotter, inhaling reams of complex information before creating a picture as if by magic? If so, gather all the data you can, talk to everyone involved, Google everything, ask opinions, then write and keep on writing until a picture begins to form. Are you highly empathetic? What advice would you give to someone in your position?