Building better problem statements
Solutions are soon surfaced where symptoms are spotted. It seems harder however to frame the underlying issues which we intend to fix.
Contextual complexities may make matters difficult, but building better problem statements remains key to planning and intervention success. Unless we commit to capture and corroborate a concern (as commensurate with stakeholder interests) we will be in no place to commend or commence action, much less expect effective resolution.
Accordingly, I’d like to propose an approach (as inspired by “Kiplings Questions” / aka Six Honest Serving Men) which I have found helpful in developing problem statements. See following prompts and elaboration (with inline example) for tips on problem perspectives elicitation and analysis.
Let me know what you think of the approach and example.
A tried and true method for building problem statements is the Problem Analysis from Kepner-Tregoe. It is part of their extremely powerful Problem Solving and Decision Making (PSDM) toolkit. In PSDM, problem analysis is deliberately disconnected from decision making, thereby effectively suppressing preferred solution bias. I’ve been successfully using it since the 1990s.
Technology Leader | Enterprise Architect | Chartered Systems Engineer | Certified Systems Engineering Professional | Solution Architect
1 年I like this! One common problem I encounter is that engineering teams already have the answer but need help to articulate symptoms or underlying problems readily. I find it even more challenging when the team cannot express the provenance for changing the business, which may affect the end user (customer). Motivations are vital to unlocking innovative solutions; drivers and goals are essential in evaluating the route when navigating to the value desired by the stakeholders. The six honest serving men are an excellent example of how to frame a problem.
Systems Thinker | Improvements Lead - BSc (Hons), CMgr FCMI, FICIPS, CSEP MINCOSE, CPRE IREB, AMBCS, APM-PMQ
1 年Thanks to Clive Bright for referring me to the Griffith University Center for Systems Innovation "Problem Framing Canvas and Workbook" - See https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/1750570/Problem-Framing-Canvas-Handbook.pdf Draws on work and ideas of Dave Snowden / The Cynefin Company (formerly Cognitive Edge). Includes practical prompts and examples to help accessibility of practise.
Retired, specialised in Risk & Value. Value for Europe Board Secretary General, past Chair of the IVM and of the Certification Board, and Chair of CEN/TC 279: Value Management - Value Analysis - Function Analysis
3 年The effective application of Function Thinking and Function Analysis will assist organisations, teams and individuals to identify and define their needs to address their challenges and to through weighting, evaluate the proposed solutions to identify the one which will deal with the challenge. The key is not to think of the solutions first but to identify the functions required ie. the need. See BS EN 12973:2020 and www.IVM.org.uk
Capability-based Programme Delivery, System Thinker, Digital Integration Planning, Operating Model Development and Optimisation
3 年A good problem statement leads to a clearer focus on the resolution strategy, which clarifies what’s needed and why. The SCF have this as part of their terms of reference, no work gets done until it’s agreed why it’s needed and what the expected benefit is.