Bulletproof Problem Solving

May 05, 202011 min read

• self-help

Introduction to Problem Solving in the 21st Century

• Core skill for the 21st century workforce: defining a problem, breaking it down to manageable parts and working towards a solution
• Definition: problem solving is decision makig when there is complexity and uncertainity in determining answers and consequences to make work to get good answers worth it
• Complex problem solving is now needed more than ever and should combine mental muscle with machine muscle
• Job growth is focused in areas where tasks are non routine and cognitive
• Seven step process of problem solving:
  • How do you define a problem in a precise way to meet the decision maker’s needs
  • How do you disaggregate the issues and develop hypotheses to be explored?
  • How do you prioritize what to do and what not to do?
  • How do you develop a workplan and assign analytical tasks?
  • How do you decide on the fact gathering and analysis to resolve issues while avoiding biases?
  • How do you go about synthesizing the findings to highlight insights?
  • How do you communicate them in a compelling way?
• Pitfalls with current problem solving approaches:
  • Weak problem statements: not specific, not clear about criteria and constrains, no indication of action that will occur if problem is solved, time frames or required accuracy
  • Asserting the answer: answers based on experience and analogy rather than actually testing if solution is good fit for problem at hand. Corrupted by avaliability bias, anchoring bias and confirmation bias
  • Failure to disaggregate problem: Need to break apart problem into components and see which components have the most impact on the problem
  • Neglecting team structure and norms: should have diversity in how you apporach a problem
  • Incomplete analytic tool set: you need the right tools to do well
  • Incomplete synthesis: make your findings matter to the audience
  • Problem-solving is not treated as an iterative process:

Chapter 1: Learn the Bulletproof Problem Solving Approach

• It is both a complete process and an interative cycle: complete in one time period and thn keep repeating the process
• Should have a coherent summary of understanding of problem and solution path at any point in the project, not just at the end (one-day answers)
• Step 1: Define the Problem:
  • Without proper context and boundaries, there’s a lot of room for error
  • Arrive at a problem definition agreedd upon by those involved in decision process
  • Should be specific, can clearly measure success, bounded by time frame and values of decision make, involves definitive action
• Step 2: Disaggregate Issues
  • Use logic trees to disassemble problems into parts for analysis driven by hypotheses
  • Try different cuts to see which ones yields the most insights
• Step 3: Prioritize and prune
  • Idenfity which branches of the tree have the biggest impact on the problem
  • Employ a matrix of sizie of impact of each lever and ability to move lever
• Step 4: Build a Workplan and Timetable
  • Assign team members to tasks with specific outputs and completion dates
• Step 5: Conduct critical analyses
  • Will need heuristics and complex problem solving techniques to do well
  • Use one-day answers to keep on track
• Step 6: Synthesize
  • Asssemble findings into logucal structure and convince that you’re solution is right
• Step 7: Prepare Communication:
  • Develop storyline from concluions to link problem to solution