Defining The Problem:The Critical Step To
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Defining the Problem:The Critical Step to
Realizing Opportunities
June Maul, EdD
“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”
—Albert Einstein
Defining the Right Problem the Right Way
Defining the right problem the right way is both the most difficult and the most critical step in problem solving. One can go through a comprehensive problem-solving process, including generating a complete set of goals to use for evaluation, generating a broad set of alternatives, identifying and assessing risks, and carefully evaluating alternatives against the goals, and yet not effectively solve the problem or realize potential opportunities. If the right problem or opportunity has not been identified, the best solutions cannot be identified. And if the problem has not been stated in a way that enables one to identify a solution, it may not get solved at all.
Guideline for Developing a Problem or Opportunity Statement
Developing a problem statement that will enable a leader to create value requires patience, energy, and focus. And it will take time. There are five simple guidelines that can help you define the right problem the right way. These guidelines are described below, and the use of these guidelines is illustrated in a simple scenario that follows.
Scan the Environment Thoroughly with the Intent to Move Forward and Create Value: Before you write the problem statement for any business or personal scenario or situation, scan the internal and external environments to get a complete understanding of the situation. Once a leader understands the environments, his or her role is to identify the challenges and opportunities that should be assessed and addressed. It is this process of scanning in order to identify the opportunities and challenges to be addressed that enables a business or an organization or a person to move forward and ensure success. This focus is a key step that enables leaders to grow their business and continue to add value to all key stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, and employees.
Turn Problems into Opportunities: Although we talk about problem solving, a better term may be opportunity realization. It is a lot easier to identify the problems or challenges in any situation than it is to identify the opportunities. However, problems often have very narrow solutions and seldom consider the future or create significant value. By scanning the entire environment and focusing on defining opportunities, rather than just challenges or problems, the possibilities expand and the likelihood of focusing resources on the right things to add value and move the organization forward also expands. Taking a broad positive approach to these situations allows one to define the broadest opportunity. As Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.”
Write a Statement that Allows for Many Possible Solutions: When considering the situation, including the opportunities and challenges, develop a problem or opportunity statement that enables the possibilities. That is, develop the statement in such a way that you can use it to define a broad range of alternative solutions. When trying to define a problem or opportunity, many people actually end up defining a solution. The best way to avoid this is to check the statement and ensure you can identify many different solutions.
Make it Motivational: Define the problem or opportunity to be motivational to those who will be involved in addressing or realizing it. If it is motivational, it is more likely to engage the minds and hearts of those you need to address it—including yours.
Make it Clear and Simple: Write the final version of your problem statement in 25 words or less. Ensure it is written so everyone can clearly understand what it is. This will enable those involved to understand the essence of the problem and develop a broad set of alternative solutions to address the problem or opportunity. However, a simple statement is not necessarily a “good opportunity statement.”
The New Doctor Scenario
Angelina has just graduated from medical school in California, and she has been offered a position at a hospital in Boston, which she has accepted. The hospital has asked that she move to Boston to start her new job within the next four weeks. This is a great career opportunity. Her fiancĩ, Tom, has also found a position in Boston that he will start in about three months. With both of them getting positions in Boston, they will be able to get married in 12 months, which is what they had hoped for. However, it will be difficult for them to move their two horses that they have both owned for over 10 years and are committed to keeping. They will be able to pursue their careers and begin their plans to start a family. However, Angelina needs to find a place to live within the next four weeks. Angelina’s job is at a hospital on the freeway in downtown Boston. Tom’s job is outside the city, about 50 miles from the hospital, in a somewhat rural area.
Analysis of Some Possible Problem or Opportunity Statements
The table below shows four possible problem statements (A through D) for this situation across the first row. An analysis of these statements is done using the five guidelines defined above.
Possible Problem or Opportunity Statements
A. Find an apartment within 4 weeks for Angelina
B. Find an apartment that meets the needs of both Tom and Angelina; identify where to keep the horses.
C. Decide whether they should rent an apartment (and board the horses) or buy a house (where they can keep the horses).
D. Tom and Angelina can find a way to further their careers and enjoy their lives by making appropriate lifestyle adjustments.
Tom and Angelina can balance all of their work and life requirements for the foreseeable future by making appropriate lifestyle adjustments.
Guidelines