I recently understood the importance of reframing the problem before looking into solutions. It helps in creating simple, effective and economical solution in far shorter time.
Here are Seven practices for effective reframing of problem in few minutes that I learnt from the HBR article:
- Establish legitimacy: It’s difficult to use reframing if you are the only person in the room who understands the matter. Share this article with your team https://hbr.org/2017/01/are-you-solving-the-right-problems
- Bring outsiders into the discussion: Someone who works with your team but not part of it. They will think differently and challenge the group’s thinking.
- People’s definition in writing: This helps in ensuring everyone have the same view and understanding of the problem.
- Ask what’s missing: This ensures the description of problem is accurate and complete.
- Consider multiple categories: Invite people to identify specifically what category of problem they think the group is facing.
- Analyze positive exceptions: Look to instances when the problem did not Occur, asking, what was different about that situation?
- Question the objective: Reframe by paying explicit attention to the objectives of the parties involved first clarifying and then challenging them.
