How can you solve problems faster to stay ahead in Startup Development?

An alternative to the 5 whys is the Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram), a visual tool to systematically identify potential factors causing an overall effect, such as categorizing the causes of problems and can be used in conjunction with brainstorming (Anoye & Ouattara, 2015; Al-Zwainy & Mezher, 2018). You could also use the Pareto Diagram (80/20 Rule) to identify the most significant factors in a set of problems, where a small number of causes typically lead to a large majority of the problems (Anoye & Ouattara, 2015) Another method I find useful is Multivoting, where team members vote on the most significant issues or causes from a broader list. It helps in prioritizing problems or causes for further analysis (Anoye & Ouattara, 2015)

Solving the problem once it has struck is similar to plugging the holes on a ship once it has struck the ice-berg. I personally prefer steering the ship away from potential ice-bergs. This is why it is imperative for #startups to do a #pre-mortemanalysis before any project, especially considering resource constraints that plague most startups. Two of my favorite frameworks that can be used together are: -The #Ishikawadiagram to map out the cause and effect of all project elements, and a subsequent checklist analysis to de-risk all elements. - FMEA analysis for all processes that are involved.

Focus on 'why' and make 'why' from that 'why'" emphasizes the importance of digging deep into the root cause of a problem by continuously asking "why" at each level.

Root cause analysis is not only important for solving current problem you have, but also shed light for avoiding future problems in advance. A good practice of always following the root cause analysis, locating the causality chain between what has caused the problem to start from the first place can always benefit your business development. A bad hire of personnel, a late response to a market opportunity, a bad decision on trade-off between cost and quality of your product, so on and so forth, all have their root causes. Once you have identified the root cause, understand what is a better or proper decision based upon the circumstances, you can proactively look for these causes in the future and avoid such problems from happening.

Prendre un peu de recul pour dézoomer et ne pas rester le nez collé au problème, travailler à plusieurs à bien clarifier le problème et sa cause, imaginer des solutions pour s'en sortir, choisir les quelques solutions pertinentes, les tester et au fur et à mesure du test, ne conserver que la plus efficace, sans oublier de l'adapter avec ce que le terrain nous a appris. Recul pour un meilleur angle de vue + collectif pour une meilleure créativité + pragmatisme pour un meilleur test & learn.

Defining the problem matters a lot, it's not easy to describe the problem statement with all necessary details on it. If you can structure the problem well, it could be the first step towards finding the solution

Tackle complex problems in startups by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts. This segmentation simplifies the problem-solving process, making it more approachable and easier to identify potential solutions, reducing the overwhelming nature of larger challenges.

After pinpointing the root cause, the next step is to dissect the problem into smaller, more manageable components. This approach allows you to concentrate on crucial elements, prioritize actions effectively, and prevent overwhelming feelings. Employing frameworks like SMART goals, SWOT analysis, or the Eisenhower matrix can aid in this process. The essential factor lies in articulating the problem's scope, criteria, and constraints with clarity and logic.

To break down a problem, you can try these steps: Define the problem Identify the requirements Break down the problem into smaller steps Create milestones Make a plan Divide and conquer

Une fois le vrai problème identifié, celui pour lequel on va développer service ou produit, il est indispensable de hierarchiser les actions à mener. Pour ?a, la matrice d'Eisenhower et sa classification de l'urgent/important est idéale. Elle nous permet d'organiser les actions. Car oui, on peut devoir agir rapidement sur des sujets non importants. Savoir les hierarchiser permet de ne pas procrastiner et de réaliser chaque jour de petits pas.

The subsequent phase involves unleashing your creativity by brainstorming a multitude of potential solutions. Refrain from imposing restrictions by prematurely evaluating or filtering your ideas. Instead, adopt an open-minded and curious approach to encourage creativity. Utilize visualization tools such as mind maps, sketches, or prototypes to bring your ideas to life and explore various perspectives. Furthermore, actively seek feedback and input from diverse sources, including your team, mentors, or customers, to garner fresh insights and perspectives.

Solution Analysis is a systematic process for addressing complex requirements and problems. It involves: 1. Defining evaluation criteria. 2. Identifying benefits. 3. Assessing disadvantages. 4. Comparing alternatives. 5. Quantifying and qualifying findings. This approach ensures a thorough evaluation of the chosen solution's advantages and disadvantages, allowing for informed decision-making in complex situations.

Generating multiple solutions involves two phases: divergence and convergence. Divergence is when you generate as many ideas as possible, without judging or filtering them. Convergence is when you evaluate and select the best ideas, based on your criteria and goals.

Encourage a culture of creativity and open brainstorming in your startup. Generating a variety of solutions for each problem expands your perspective, leading to more innovative and diverse solutions, and increases the chances of finding an effective response to challenges.

There are times where we needed to prioritize features and releases. We compared our options using different criteria and tools, but none of them stood out. They all had benefits and drawbacks, and none of them met all our goals and limits. We knew that finding the best solution was impossible and pointless. We chose one option and tested it. We got feedback from our users and stakeholders. We changed and enhanced the solution until it was good enough.

Evaluate potential solutions based on criteria like feasibility, impact, and resource requirements. Choose the solution that offers the most effective balance, aligning with your startup's goals and resource constraints for maximum efficiency.

The evaluation process can be divided into six stages: defining the 'ideal' solution. eliminating unviable solutions, ie those which do not meet the constraints. evaluating the remaining solutions against the results required. assessing the risks associated with the 'best' solution and, if acceptable. making the decision.

In selecting the best solution for a startup challenge, it’s essential to balance immediate feasibility with long-term impact. Assess each potential solution for its practicality, cost-effectiveness, and risk, while considering its alignment with your startup's overarching goals. Involve your team in this process to leverage diverse perspectives, enhancing the decision-making process. Ultimately, the ideal solution is one that not only addresses the core problem efficiently but also aligns seamlessly with your startup's values and growth trajectory, ensuring scalability and adaptability in the ever-evolving startup landscape.

Quoi de mieux pour évaluer les résultats que de regarder ce que cela a donné ailleurs ! Bien souvent, nous sommes confrontés aux mêmes questions, aux mêmes problèmes, aux mêmes actions. Alors, qu'est-ce que ?a a donné chez les autres? C'est aussi en regardant ce qu'il se passe à c?té que l'on peut prendre les décisions les plus avisées. Ne pas hésiter à échanger, questionner, s'entourer de personnes qui ont déjà pu vivre la même chose à un instant T.

In one of my cases, after selecting the best solution, we implemented it in a controlled environment. This phase is vital: monitoring and adjusting as needed based on real-time feedback. In this particular instance, the solution was iteratively refined, ensuring it addressed the problem effectively and adapted to unforeseen challenges, a testament to the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in execution.

Implementing a solution involves several steps: Understand the problem Set clear objectives Design the solution Allocate resources Create a project plan Build and test the solution Train users Manage change Deploy the solution

Question every assumption you think you know about a given problem, then create new solutions from scratch. You need to break down previous assumptions and barriers of problems to create a completely innovative solution.

Make sure everyone is on the same page, with the same understanding of the issue to solve, and all pointing in the same direction to achieve it.

Drawing from my experience with various startups, it's crucial to consider external factors like market trends and customer feedback. In one project, staying attuned to these factors and adapting our strategies accordingly was key to our success. This approach exemplifies the need for startups to remain agile and responsive, ready to evolve their problem-solving techniques in alignment with the dynamic business environment.

Some tips for implementing a solution include: Plan and prepare Select, brief, and train those involved Review the plan Take corrective actions as needed Monitor its effectiveness

I see so many teams that start building without having spoken with others to validate their idea. This is a big mistake and the argument that you are afraid that someone will steal your idea is unfounded as it is not the idea but the execution of the idea. Best advise I ever got: Never take decision because you are afraid.