in.sight
a newsletter for the eyes of the mind
SERIES 01 | ISSUE 05
A problem well-stated is a problem half solved
“We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem.” – Russell L. Ackoff
Measure twice, cut once.
Defining a problem well is essential for effective and impactful problem-solving. Yet, we don’t invest enough time to clarify our challenges before tackling them.
The quality of your solutions is in direct proportion to your understanding of your problem. When you define your problem well, not only will your solutions be of higher quality, you achieve them much more easily too. You can also build countermeasures so the problem won’t recur.
When a problem is not well understood, we resort to “bandaid strategies” that do not guarantee results. They might even create new problems. So, here’s how to better define your problems, so that you can devise better solutions:
1. Layout all visible manifestations
Unpack any physical symptoms, spoken complaints, lost morale, turnover, decreased performance, etc.
2. Measure severity
Determine the cost of the problem financially, or give its severity a number out of ten. This helps you identify the scale of the problem.
3. Find the people involved
List down those who have been negatively affected. Then, seek out those who might be interested in the problem-solving process. Do also anticipate pushback or who would have to bear the externalities of any path chosen to solve the problem.
4. Define what success will look like
What will the visible aspects of a successful outcome be? What will the benefits be? And who will enjoy the bulk of these benefits?
5. Map out your milestones
Determining timelines upfront allows you to plan a course of action that results in solving the problem in its viable window of resolution. All before things snowball out of control.
💝 noteworthy
Book: How To Fail at Almost Everything And Still Win Big | Scott Adams
Ditching clichéd career advice, author and cartoonist Scott Adams recounts the humorous ups and downs of his career, revealing the outsized role of luck in our lives and how best to play the system. Adams shares the game plan he’s followed since he was a teen: invite failure in, embrace it, then pick its pocket.
😌 calm corner
A stunning instrumental set by Los Angeles-based singer, producer, and environmentalist Shallou. He is known for his ambient, house melodies with soulful vocals, carving himself a niche in the Indie and Electronic music scenes.