Intelligence: Who should

Getting the Problem or be involved?

Decision Statement Right
What is the
problem or
decision?

What do I
want to
accomplish?
2/19/2007 1

Who should
Disturbance
be involved?
Problems
What is the
problem or
decision?

What do I
want to
accomplish?

Entrepreneurial
Problems

Posing the right

problem or
decision drives
everything else!

1
 Initial Problem Statement:

“How can we get the union to

relax some of its more
obstructive rules, in exchange
for increased wages and
benefits.”

The case of the struggling west coast port

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New Problem Statement:

“How much can we afford to pay

the union in a one-time To be sure you get the right
settlement to have all the work problem statement . . .
rules dropped?”

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Use out-of-the-box thinking

2/19/2007 13
Define the Problem

2
 Mind write down
Grip three 2-word
statements
that
describe it

select the
write new,
words that
optimal &
best
effective
represent
statement of
the precise
the problem
problem

Then refine & Problem

improve the Diagnosis
initial problem Step by Step
definition Process

3
1. Ask what 5. Establish
triggered it workable scope

2. Question 6. Gain insight

constraints from others

3. Identify essential 7. Reexamine as

elements you go

4. Understand 8. Maintain
dependencies perspective

Refine and Improve It Identify Boundaries

How to design a headset

to replace the phone?
Boundary
Examination

4
Write down an
initial
Underline key
statement of
words
the problem

Examine each Redefine the

key word for problem in a
hidden better way
assumptions

Elaboration Metaphorical
Thinking

5
 Problem Reversal

Ask Questions

Mind Focus Mind Stretch

Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?

Mind Stretch Mind Stretch

Why is it necessary? Where should it be done?

6
Mind Stretch Mind Stretch

Who should do it? When should it be done?

Mind Stretch Mind Stretch

What should be done? How should it be done?

SCAMPERing Substitute
Combine

Substitute Adapt

Problem/
Rearrange Decision Modify
or or
Reverse Magnify

Put to
Eliminate Other
Uses

7
 Combine Adapt

Magnify or
Modify

Put to other uses

Magnify or
Modify

Rearrange or Reverse

Eliminate

8
 Make sure your problem Not too
statement is . . . narrowly
defined

Not overly Does not include potential alternatives

broad

Think about
Framed as an how you will
open ended frame your
question . . . problem
statement for
not as a yes /
your personal
no question.
decision
project…