Solve the Right Problems by Questioning Your Assumptions

Understanding the Real Challenge

One of the biggest pitfalls in problem-solving is jumping to solutions before fully understanding the problem itself. Our instinct drives us to fix issues as quickly as possible, but what if we're solving the wrong problem?

A classic (and almost humorous) example is Juicero, the Wi-Fi-connected juicer that secured over $100 million in funding, only to fail within a year. The company assumed that people needed a high-powered, internet-enabled device to juice fruits. In reality, consumers were perfectly happy using their hands to squeeze juice out of pre-packaged pouches. Juicero was a solution in search of a problem.

A similar story played out with Blackberry. The company doubled down on refining its physical keyboard, assuming that the drop in sales was due to a hardware issue. However, the real problem was the rise of touchscreen devices and user-friendly software experiences, which Blackberry overlooked until it was too late.

The Power of Digging Deeper

Understanding the root cause of a problem requires looking beyond the obvious. A great example comes from Disney World. Park operators were grappling with long wait times for rides. The immediate solutions seemed clear: limit the number of visitors or build more rides. But by digging deeper, they discovered that the real issue wasn’t the wait itself—it was the experience of waiting. Instead of restricting visitors, they enhanced the queue experience by adding engaging videos, immersive storytelling, and interactive signage. The result? Happier guests who no longer minded the wait.

How to Challenge Assumptions Effectively

1. Identify Your Assumptions

Ask yourself: What am I taking for granted about this situation? Are there factors I'm assuming to be true without evidence?

2. Ask ‘Why’ Multiple Times

The Five Whys technique helps uncover the root cause of a problem. Each answer should lead to another "why" until you get to the heart of the issue.

3. Engage End Users Early

Customers won’t always articulate their needs clearly. They might say they want faster service, but what they really mean is they want a better overall experience. Observing behavior can often be more revealing than just asking questions.

4. Test and Validate Solutions

Before committing to a solution, test different approaches. Small experiments can reveal whether you’re actually addressing the core issue or just treating symptoms.

The Hardest Problems Are One Assumption Away from Being Solved

Solving the right problem starts with questioning everything—even the things that seem like facts. Next time you’re faced with a challenge, pause before rushing to a solution. What if your biggest obstacle isn’t the problem itself, but the way you’re thinking about it?

#Leadership #ProblemSolving #CriticalThinking #Innovation #Strategy