As people who try to solve problems, we often have to deal with difficult situations that require us to think critically and creatively in order to find good answers. The Problem Solvers Playbook is a powerful tool that can help us sharpen our thinking and approach problem-solving in a structured and systematic way. In this article, we'll look at 17 important questions that are needed to make a good plan for solving problems.

Question 1: What is the problem?

The first step in solving any problem is to define and understand what the problem actually is clearly. This may seem obvious, but it is surprising how often we jump to solutions before fully understanding the problem at hand. Take the time to ask yourself: What is the problem? What are the symptoms? What are the root causes?

Question 2: Who is affected by the problem?

Understanding who is affected by a problem helps fix it. Stakeholders? Clients? Who uses? Understanding the problem of the people affected will help you find better solutions.

Question 3: What are the constraints?

Every problem has constraints - whether they are time, budget, resources, or other factors. It is important to know what these limits are so that you can come up with solutions that are realistic and possible. Ask yourself: What are the constraints? What are the limitations? What are the boundaries?

Question 4: What are the objectives?

Knowing the goals helps solve a problem. Goal? What is desired? Target? Understanding the goals will help you stay focused while developing solutions.

Question 5: What are the alternatives?

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, the stakeholders, the constraints, and the objectives, it is time to start exploring potential solutions. Take the time to brainstorm a wide range of alternatives. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and consider unconventional solutions.

Question 6: What are the trade-offs?

Every solution involves trade-offs - whether they are costs, benefits, risks, or other factors. It is important to understand what the trade-offs are for each potential solution in order to make informed decisions. Ask yourself: What are the trade-offs? What are the trade-offs for the stakeholders? What are the trade-offs for the organization?

Question 7: What are the assumptions?

Aware of the assumptions that we make when solving problems. Assumptions can be both explicit and implicit, and they can often be unconscious. Take the time to ask yourself: What are the assumptions? What are the underlying assumptions? Are they valid? Are they testable?

Question 8: What are the risks?

Every solution involves risks - whether they are financial, operational, strategic, or other factors. Understand what the risks are for each potential solution in order to make informed decisions. Ask yourself: What are the risks? What are the potential consequences? What are the likelihoods? How can the risks be mitigated?

Question 9: What are the criteria?

In order to effectively evaluate potential solutions, it is important to have a clear understanding of the criteria that will be used. What are the key factors that will be considered? What are the performance metrics? What are the standards? Having a clear understanding of the criteria will help you to make more objective and informed decisions.

Question 10: What is the plan?

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, the stakeholders, the constraints, the objectives, the alternatives, the trade-offs, the assumptions, and the risks, it is time to develop a plan of action. This plan should be clear, actionable, and measurable. It should include a detailed implementation strategy, a timeline, and a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to track progress and evaluate success.

Question 11: Who is responsible?

In order for the plan to be effective, it is important to assign roles and responsibilities clearly. Who will be responsible for implementing the plan? Who will be responsible for monitoring progress? Who will be responsible for making decisions? Having a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities will help to ensure that the plan is executed in a timely and efficient manner.

Question 12: How will it be communicated?

Communication is key to the success of any plan. It is important to have a clear and effective communication plan in place that outlines how the information will be shared, who will be responsible for communicating, and what channels will be used. This will help to ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page.

Question 13: How will it be measured?

In order to evaluate the success of the plan, it is important to have a clear and effective measurement strategy in place. This should include a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to track progress and evaluate success. These KPIs should be aligned with the objectives of the plan and should be measurable, actionable, and relevant.

Question 14: How will it be monitored?

In order to ensure that the plan is executed in a timely and efficient manner, it is important to have a clear and effective monitoring strategy in place. This should include a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to track progress and evaluate success. It should also include a set of trigger points that will be used to identify potential issues or problems.

Question 15: How will it be adapted?

No plan is perfect, and it is important to be prepared to adapt and adjust as needed. It is important to have a clear and effective adaptation strategy in place that outlines how the plan will be adapted to changing circumstances, how feedback will be incorporated, and how decisions will be made. This will help to ensure that the plan remains relevant and effective.

Question 16: How will it be implemented?

In order for the plan to be effective, it is important to have a clear and effective implementation strategy in place. This should include a detailed implementation plan, a timeline, and a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to track progress and evaluate success. It should also include a set of deliverables and milestones that will be used to measure progress.