Find a solution with problem-solving questions

Next time you have a problem to solve, instead of saying, "What's the answer," try saying, "What's the question?"

Questions have an amazing ability to open the door to insights, ideas, and possibilities.They can shine a light on options, uncover flawed thinking, and help you get a full picture of the issue at hands.

Here are some of my favorite problem-solving questions:

What if…?

I love this one, because it inherently carries with it a risk-free exploration of the possibilities. What if we do this? What if we try that? What might happen? What result might that create? There are often multiple solutions to any given problem, and "what if" lets you get a picture of each of them.   

Why?

This one helps you get down to the root cause. Why is this happening? When you know that, you have a better picture to build a solution from. Why helps you start filling in the blanks on the next problem-solving question...

What are the pieces?

If you're going to solve a puzzle, it helps to know what the pieces are. And if it's an especially big or complex problem, it could be that you need to trouble-shoot multiple sub-problems (i.e., the pieces) to come up with your ultimate solution.

What do I know? What information am I missing?

Breaking the problem down into pieces is a great step, but it's entirely possible that you're missing some of those pieces. Asking what information you're missing (and where you might be able to find it) can help give you a more complete set of information to work with.

What assumptions am I making? Are they valid?

We all make assumptions. They help us move through our days without constantly having to evaluate every little move. But sometimes those assumptions are flawed (I can't do this. That won't work without... Etc.), leading us to see an insurmountable problem where one doesn't actually exist. Identifying your assumptions and checking their validity might just open the door to a solution you never would have considered (or even make the problem disappear entirely).

What one thing could I change about this situation? What difference might that make? 

Sometimes getting stuck with a problem is a matter of inertia. When you start taking action, things start to happen. The result might solve the problem, or it might give you more information that you can use in pursuit of a solution.

Who has the answer? 

Whatever problem you're facing, odds are good that there are people out there who have insights you can use to help solve it. The question is, "Who?"

What is holding me back from solving this?

Finally, on the "we are sometimes our own worst enemies" front, ask yourself, what is holding me back from solving this?

Is the problem acting as a convenient buffer between you and something you're subconsciously trying to avoid? Do you have a fear of one of the steps that would be required to solve the problem?  Does the problem offer convenient proof about the impossibility of something you're subconsciously committed to seeing as impossible? Whatever it is, bringing that out into the light can help you take action and make it happen.

What  about you? What problem solving questions do you use?

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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst ^TM

Comments

[Rhett Laubach]

Curt, thanks for the great post about decision making. Just as an FYI, I published it to my Personal Leadership Insight del.icio.us tag system under the PLI Essential of Wise Judgment (there are 10 PLI Essentials.) We are up to 400+ tags so far. Thought you and your readership would find value in perusing the pool at http://del.icio.us/pliblog. Thanks again for the valuable post!

[Curt Rosengren]

Excellent, Rhett! Thanks for adding it, and thanks for the heads up on the PLI essentials.

[Mike King]

Great suggestions to switch from the norm when it comes to decision making and looking from a different perspective using questions. Thanks for posting!

[Curt Rosengren]

You're welcome, Mike. Glad you found it useful. :-)

[SuzannSolange]

What a beautiful site. And well-written article. I love the idea of getting to the root cause of things - and your series of small steps that get us to that big answer. "What is holding me back from solving this?" is an absolutely brilliant question.

[Curt Rosengren]

Thanks Suzann! I'm glad it hit the spot for you. :-)