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Problem solving guide

Keys
Keys

Before landing on a solution to a problem, these questions are the key to a good outcome:

  • Am I solving the right problem?
  • What outcome do I really want?
  • What facts am I missing? What questions haven’t been asked?
  • Who benefits from this framing? What incentives are driving this problem &/or solution?
  • What data would change my mind or disprove my conclusion?
  • Am I doing this for the right reason? What underlying principle is guiding my decision?
  • What is in my control?
  • What could this teach me?
  • If I stepped back, what pattern would I see?

Only then ask:

  • What is my best next move?

More generally it’s worth considering:

  • When did I last change my mind on something important?
  • When did I last take a principled risk?