
No matter which phase of life you're in, facing problems is inevitable. Today, we'll focus on how to approach problems in your professional career. We’ll save personal problems for another discussion, as that could be a lengthy document on its own.
When it comes to consulting, a structured approach is often emphasized. This structured approach is why consultants command significant fees—they know how to break down problems effectively. However, this method isn't rocket science, and you can use it too. As the saying goes, understanding the problem correctly or articulating it clearly solves half of it.
So, what is this structured approach to Problem-Solving?

Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Define the Problem Clearly and Write It Down Start by describing the problem as thoroughly as possible according to your knowledge. Writing it down is crucial because it helps uncover unconscious biases and aspects you might not be aware of. Avoid jumping to conclusions; focus on articulating the problem itself.
Identify Stakeholders Determine all stakeholders affected by the problem. These are the people whose lives will be impacted if the problem is solved or if it remains unresolved. Engaging with these stakeholders will provide valuable insights and help you understand the problem more comprehensively.
Assess the Impact of the Problem Evaluate the consequences of solving versus not solving the problem. Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) affected or other significant factors. Understanding the impact will guide you in prioritizing the problem and evaluating potential solutions.
Develop Solutions With a clear understanding of the problem, brainstorm possible solutions. Remember, there may be numerous solutions available, but not all will be ideal.
Here’s how to choose the most relevant and practical solution Example:
Criticality of the Problem Determine whether the problem needs an immediate solution or if it can be addressed later. If a quick fix is required, consider solutions that are not perfect but can mitigate the issue temporarily while you work on a more comprehensive solution.
Effort and Resources Assess the effort and resources required for each solution. If a solution is very time-consuming or resource-intensive, weigh it against the problem’s impact. Ensure that the effort invested is proportional to the problem’s significance. Avoid expending significant resources on issues with minimal impact.
Solution | Impact (1-5) | Feasibility (1-5) | Cost (1-5) | Time to Implement (1-5) | Total Score | Implement? |
Solution A | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 38 | Yes |
Solution B | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 37 | Yes |
Solution C | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 29 | No |
Solution D | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 22 | No |

This method isn’t the only way to approach problems, but it provides a structured and impactful framework. There may be additional factors to consider based on specific scenarios, but this approach gives you a solid foundation for problem-solving.
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