Albert Einstein is quoted as having said that if he only had an hour to save the world, he would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and only 5 minutes solving it.
We can agree that defining a problem well is essential to enable solving for the correct issue and therefore having a positive impact with the solution pursued.
But how does one define a problem well?
The next time you are solving a problem, try to answer these questions, preferably in writing for real depth of reflection.
Use this simple problem-solving technique
S T E P
S – Say the problem (Define & Communicate - If you can’t explain it simply you don’t understand it well enough)
T – Think of solutions (Define different solutions, all is big until it is solved to become small)
E – Explore the consequences (what could happen if…Every choice we make determine our future)
P – Pick the best solution (make your plan)
Agree?