When you analyze a problem, do you naturally see the component parts of the problem allowing you to efficiently see solutions to each part as well as the order in which the solutions need to be accomplished?
Me neither. Here are some questions to help you do so. You don’t always need to come up with clear answers to the problems. Sometimes merely asking the questions stimulates our mind enough to move forward with effective solutions.
- What is the problem? Effectively restate the problem as presented. Then restate the problem in your own words.
- What are the key components of this problem? Identify the main elements that constitute the problem.
- How did the problem originate? Look for root causes that might split the problem into historical segments.
- What are the symptoms and effects of the problem? Understanding these can help identify different areas impacted by the problem.
- Who is affected by this problem? This question can help divide the problem based on different stakeholders or groups involved.
- What are the constraints and limitations related to this problem? Identifying constraints can help segment the problem into areas with different boundaries.
- Are there any dependencies or relationships between different parts of the problem? This can help in understanding how segments are interconnected.
- Can any part of the problem be isolated for individual consideration? Look for elements of the problem that can be addressed separately from the rest.
- What resources are available or needed for each part of the problem? Segmenting the problem based on resource requirements can clarify different facets of the issue.
- What are the short-term and long-term aspects of the problem? This helps in distinguishing between immediate concerns and more prolonged issues.
- Is the problem composed of several smaller, similar issues? Identifying repetitive patterns can guide the segmentation into categories of similar sub-problems.
- Which of these component segments are the most important and why?
- Is there a reason not to solve these problems in order of importance?
I prefer to write my thoughts and answers out by hand. It’s not strictly necessary, but I find that it helps me to think more creatively as well as to remember. The more we break down problems into smaller parts the better at it we will become. We will also become faster at doing so. My hope is that you and I will get to the point where we see the segments of a problem almost instantly when we look at the problem. What do you think? Is it possible to develop our skills to this point? Or is seeing the many segments of a problem a natural talent?