Five Important Problem-Solving Questions
Five Important Problem-Solving Questions
Success requires that we solve problems. There are five questions that may be profitably applied to any situation, the answers to which will provide valuable information and help solve any problem.
Here are the five questions:
1. What are the facts, and how do we know?
The first thing to do in any situation is to gather the facts and verify them.
When we say facts, we mean facts; not guesses, not rumours, not vague approximations, but the real facts.
We need the facts; because if we get the facts wrong, then everything that follows will also be wrong.
The best source of facts is direct sensory evidence: what you personally see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.
But usually, you do not have personal experience of the situation you're trying to deal with, so you must rely on reliable accounts from other people, and from official sources. So, now we know what the facts are, and we know that our knowledge is reliable.
2. How should we frame the problem?
To solve a problem it must be correctly defined. A problem may be defined as the difference between the current situation and the desired situation.
So, the definition of the problem is usually in the form of a question: What is our desired state?
We need to write down what the desired state is.
3. What is our plan?
The problem is how to get from what we've got to what we want.
We now sit down with a group of people, with paper and pens, and formulate detailed written plans as to how we believe we can close the gap between what we have and what we want.
4. Plans must be written, not spoken
Spoken plans are of no use because we will forget what we said, we will argue about what we said, and we will have miscommunications.
So, we must have detailed written plans!
- Writing our plans forces us to be more accurate in our wording.
- Written plans crystallise our thoughts so that they don't disappear.
- Written plans allow us to communicate them to anyone else who is not in on the original meeting.
- Written plans act as a blueprint for action.
Now we have detailed written plans, we move to the final question.
5. What are the first steps we must take?
A plan is only a theory.
We must now put the theory into action.
We must take action on the plans, keeping a careful eye on the results our current actions are taking.
Keep your eyes and ears open and return to step one.
We reiterate these five questions until the facts coincide with our desired state and the problem ceases to exist.
Definition: five-question problem-solving method
In business, the five-question problem-solving method is a clear path that guides a team from facts to action. It starts with solid facts, defines the gap, turns ideas into a written plan, and drives first steps with steady checks. If any step is missing, the method stops working.
Show CG4D Definition
- Begins by gathering and testing the real facts
- Frames the problem as the gap between current and desired state
- Demands a detailed written action plan
- Requires action, review, and repeat until the gap closes
Article Summary
Solve any problem with five clear questions: know the facts, frame the gap, write the plan, act on first steps, then review and repeat. This cycle keeps teams focused, cuts waste, and turns clear thought into real results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What makes a fact reliable in problem solving?
How do I choose the desired state when framing a problem?
Why must a problem-solving plan be written not spoken?
What first steps should follow once the plan is set?
How often should I return to question one and gather new facts?
Who should be involved when writing the plan for a team issue?
What if new facts show the plan is not closing the gap?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2023 McKinsey study found that firms using a clear step-by-step method to solve problems are almost three times more likely to hit their goals. A 2024 Project Management Institute report says teams that write their plans cut wasted time by about 30% compared with teams that only talk about plans.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Decision Making and Problem Solving
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How to Overcome Procrastination
Overcome procrastination with the Mind over Mood method: train the rational brain, adopt smart time-management habits and use a clear action plan to act today.
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How To Solve Problems
Learn a proven 10-step problem solving method that tames fear, gathers facts, sets clear plans and tracks results. Boost critical thinking at work or home.
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Black and White Thinking
Learn why black and white thinking harms decision making and how the Law of Identity helps you weigh options, avoid oversimplification and think with clarity.
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What is the Law of Cause and Effect?
Learn the law of cause and effect and use three counter-case questions to test claims, avoid purpose myths and find the real set of causes behind any event.
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Be a Straight Thinker
Learn four simple rules for critical thinking that help you verify facts, judge source credibility, resist majority opinion bias and keep your logic clear.
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