How can we understand
the problem?
Method # 1: The 5 Whys.Method # 2: Fishbone analysis.Method # 3: Tree analysis.Method # 4: 5 W’s and 1 H.Method # 5: 3 step problem analysis.Method # 6: Problem formulation method.
Method # 1
The 5 Whys
Describe what the problem is.
Step # 1
Ask why several times to better
understand the reasons for the problem.
Keep asking why until you get to the real reason for the problem.
Step # 2
Some sources of inspiration
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Information/Knowledge-Solutions/The-Five-Whys-Technique.pdfhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5590974/how_to_run_an_ideas_jam.html?cat=3http://www.associatedcontent.com/audio/17188/how_to_use_lateral_thinking_for_personal.html?cat=55http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/912792/problem_analysis_techniques.html?cat=55http://blogs.hbr.org/video/2012/02/the-5-whys.htmlhttp://www.bulsuk.com/2009/03/5-why-finding-root-causes.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_Whyshttp://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/archives/2011/05/some_years_ago.shtmlhttp://lssacademy.com/2010/01/10/introducing-the-5-why-%E2%80%9Cso-what%E2%80%9D-test/http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htmhttp://thinkjarcollective.com/tools/how-to-formulate-a-creative-problem-statement/http://youtu.be/JmrAkHafwHI
Method # 2
Fishbone analysis
Bad communication
Persons interrupt each other
”I” language is not used
The problem
Reasons for the problem
Further reasonsPerson A talks constantly
Very little of what is communicated is concrete
None of the persons ask questions
Some sources of inspiration
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishikawa_diagramhttp://www.mycoted.com/Fishbone_Diagram
Method # 3
Tree analysis
http://hbr.org/2014/01/a-taxonomy-of-innovation/ar/1
2. Root = Reason for problem
3. Branches = Effects of problem 1. The problem
http://www.imagebase.net/Nature/tree
Method # 4
5 W’s and 1 H
5 W’s and 1 H
# 1What?
# 2Why? # 3
When?
# 4Where?# 5
Who?
# 6How?
Example
How can we improve communication?
What does it mean to communicate well? What does it mean to communicate badly? Why is a person a good communicator? Why is a person not a good communicator? When is a person a good communicator? When is a person not a good communicator? Where is a person a good communicator? Where is a person not a good communicator? Who is good at communicating? Who is not good at communicating? How does a person become a good communicator? How does a person become a bad communicator?
Some sources of inspiration
http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/912792/problem_analysis_techniques.html?cat=55http://www.bqf.org.uk/innovation/2010/04/16/six-serving-men-problem-analysis-technique/http://www.mycoted.com/Five_Ws_and_H
Method # 5
3 step problem analysis
Find a discussion partner and ask that person to discuss his or her most pressing work problem with you for about 5 minutes.
Ask these 5 questions1. What’s the problem?2. What are the root causes?3. Who is to blame?4. What have you tried that hasn’t worked?5. Why haven’t you been able to fix the problem yet?
http://www.mckinsey.com/Insights/Leading_in_the_21st_century/Lead_at_your_best
Round # 2
Discuss again for 5 minutes using these 4 questions1. What would you like to see - and make - happen?2. Can you recall a time when the solution was present, at
least partly? What made that possible?3. What are the smallest steps you could take that would
make the biggest difference?4. What are you learning in this conversation so far?
http://www.mckinsey.com/Insights/Leading_in_the_21st_century/Lead_at_your_best
Round # 3
Debrief your partner about his or her thoughts and feelings during the 1st versus the 2nd discussion.
Then talk about these 3 questions for 5 minutes1. What did you notice? 2. What were his or her underlying mind-sets? 3. What were yours?
http://www.mckinsey.com/Insights/Leading_in_the_21st_century/Lead_at_your_best
Method # 6
Problem formulation method
To formulate a problem, use the phrase
“In what ways might I……?”
http://thinkjarcollective.com/tools/how-to-formulate-a-creative-problem-statement/
Thank you for your interest. For further inspiration and personalized services, please feel welcome to visit http://frankcalberg.com/
Have a great day.