Decision Roadblock #9: The Problem is (Almost) Never What You Think
March 9, 2023 | By David M. Wagner
Solving the wrong problem can have serious consequences.
In the emotional climax of Catch-22, Yossarian painstakingly treats a comrade’s injuries. Only then does he discover his friend’s other, more critical wound, with no time or supplies to spare.
Focusing our attention on the wrong issue is not always a matter of life-or-death. But it certainly leads to confusion and difficulty making an effective decision.
Getting clear about what the real issue is makes finding a solution more manageable. Which puts you back in the driver’s seat and able to re-focus on your mission.
Here’s how.
Write, Rinse, Repeat.
Try completing this fill-in-the-blank statement: “The problem is _____, which is a challenge because _____.”
The first draft almost always feels wrong. That’s ok. Try these questions to refine the problem statement:
Is this a description of the problem, or just one possible solution? Aim for language that allows for multiple possible solutions.
Is this the underlying issue, or just a symptom of the real problem? Get to the underlying issues.
Is this a description of one problem, or are multiple issues in play? Break up compound problems into individual ones.
Repeat the process a few times, and you’ll eventually land on a statement that finally feels like you’ve hit the real issue.
Get More Information
After going through the above exercise, you may find that you really don’t know what the underlying issue is. It’s time to get more information.
Sometimes you can get the insights you need from diving into data, in the way a forensic accountant can follow the books to determine where money is being wasted or stolen.
Other times you’ll need to lead with inquiry and get input from others about what the issues are. They may not know what the underlying problem is, either – but they can shed light on the symptoms that have been visible to them. After getting other’s raw feedback, you can also check for reactions to your own theories (“do you think the issue could be _____?”).
Talk It Over
Talking over the issue with an objective person, who has no personal stakes in the issue, can be illuminating.
Why? Because discussing a problem with someone not already in the know requires you to explain the issue in simple, straightforward terms. A curious listener will ask insightful questions that cut through your assumptions and point out connections you may have overlooked.
So the next time you're faced with a decision to make, ask yourself: do I really know what the problem is? After writing it down, gathering input, and explaining it to an outsider, the answer may surprise you.
And if you need an independent perspective to get clear about the challenge you’re facing, schedule a free consultation. Together we’ll track down the real issues, so you can find a solution and get back to focusing on your mission.