Know Your Problem

Understanding Your Problem

Asking the right questions is first step to finding the right answers to your problem.

The first question you need to ask is, "What is the problem?".  It's such an obvious question, it sometimes gets overlooked. You also need to write down the answers to your Key Questions.

Problem Statement

Please describe your problem in two or three sentences.

Now, take a few minutes to try to strengthen the written definition of your problem.

Key Questions

Asking key questions is one of the most important techniques you can use to explore the different dimensions of your problem. It just makes sense that finding the right questions will get you closer to the answers that will eventually solve your problem. You should also keep track of your questions and answers.

We've provided several lists of generic questions for:  Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, From Where, and To Where. Pick out the questions that you consider to be key questions for your situation. Of course, you need to create your own questions, too. They will probably be the best questions of all.

First, take a look at a few 'kick-off' questions to help get you started.

Now, it's time to dive deep and find your key questions.

Go to the next section - 'Know Yourself'.