How To Avoid Solving The Wrong Problems Really Well

Because We Tend To

AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL — GET THESE 6 THINGS RIGHT

It Sounds A Sensible Idea Right?

It’s amazing how many times we’re asked to solve the wrong problem. We get given a challenge that isn’t really the challenge. We get asked to fix the effect and not the cause.

There’s some simple fixes.

Avoiding this issue requires a degree of objectivity, careful observation and above all asking the right questions. And then, by putting a framework around the situation, you can expect to figure out what’s really going on.

Click To Read A Recent Article On Observation:

Observe More — React Less

The Visual Story — In 6 Pictures

How To Avoid Solving The Wrong Problems Really Well

FOR EVERY CHALLENGE —FIRST LET’S THINK — AND THERE’S THE FIRST CLUE

Number 1 — The Lost Art Of Thinking:

No matter what the question or the stated challenge it’s vital to stop and think. Challenge the stated challenge from every perspective we can. We have to reflect and pause — reframe the question in whatever way we can.

Be obsessed by the right information.

GET THE FACTS — GATHER AND HARVEST THE BITS AND PIECES — THE EVIDENCE — THE INFORMATION OF LIFE AND DEATH

Number 2 — Understanding The Situation

Look for every fragment of information that exists. As well as making a note of what doesn’t. At the same time draw on experience — ask for information that may seem oblique and disconnected — it probably has more of a bearing on the challenge than you would imagine.

Ask more questions!

Asking the right questions:

The 8 Laws Of Creativity

THE ALL IMPORTANT FRAMEWORK — CO-CREATED AND COLLABORATED IN BY THOSE WITH PASSION FOR THE OUTCOME

Number 3 — Leveraging The Power Of Collaboration

Build a team of people with real interest in the outcome and with accountability for delivery — of the right solution. Find people with passion and genuine interest in the issue — and the difference that can be made. Get them engaged in shaping the plan.

Start building the framework for fixing the right thing(s) — for the best possible future.

BEING CLEAR ABOUT THE PLAN OF ACTION — THAT’S IT!

Number 4 — Making It Real — Making It Happen

Create clarity and focus. Build unquestionable definitions for everything. Get certainty and agreement between everyone about what, when, how and who. Define everything that needs to be done — nothing more, nothing less. Make it crystal clear who owns what and make sure everyone knows why.

Be sure that everyone understands the progress and the results of all the previous steps.

THE ALL IMPORTANT PLAN FOR COMMUNICATION — INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY IT WILL BE THE DIFFERENCE

Number 5 — Creating Engagement & Ownership

Strategies fail because of poor communication. Strategies succeed because of good communication. Communication is never one way — it has to be about telling an authentic and inspiring story of what the business is aiming to do — built through engagement.

It has to be about the exchange of value between interested people.

KEEPING THE FRAMEWORK ALIVE WITH THE INEVITABLE CHANGES — AND ALL THE MOVING PARTS ALIGNED

Number 6 — Keeping The Motivation Going Over Time

Making the right things happen over time requires sustained energy by everyone. By keeping the frameworks fresh and alive and everyone having a role in the result must be the new day job.

The frameworks contain everything that needs to be done — as things change then so should the framework.

Repeat Numbers 1–6