Define the problem before looking for a solution

A Client owns the problem, not necessarily a company

Someone with an early idea, a small-business owner or an organisation's manager may all have a problem to examine. Start by clarifying the concern and desired outcome. A large company or substantial capital is not required for this role.

Signs a problem is still unclear

Sales are down and The team is not coordinated describe difficulties without identifying the decision to make. Be specific about what needs to change, how much time you have and which constraints apply.

• The topic is too broad.
• The decision-maker and people affected are unclear.
• Time, budget or data constraints are unknown.
• There is no clear way to recognise a useful outcome.

Five questions before submitting a problem

These questions help make the initial interview more efficient and the session more focused.

• What decision needs to be made?
• Who needs this decision, and by when?
• What do we know now, and what remains uncertain?
• Which constraints cannot change?
• What should we have at the end of the session?

A good problem brief leaves room for alternatives

If we seek only confirmation of our preferred solution, other options become harder to examine. State the goal and constraints clearly while leaving room to compare several solutions using the same criteria.