Management Tip of the Day: Make Sure You're Solving the Right Problem

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile OCTOBER 4, 2012 Make Sure You're Solving the Right Problem It may be obvious that you can't solve a problem that's not well defined, but many people neglect this detail. Next time you think you're ready to go into problem-solving mode, consider the following: Establish the basic need for a solution. Why does the problem need solving? Justify the need. Make sure it's worth your time. Is the effort aligned with your company's strategy? What do you, your team, or the company stand to gain from a solution? Give it context. What approaches have you already tried? What have others done? Are there constraints on the solution? Write the problem statement. Take your answers to the questions above and lay out the problem. Indicate the scope, the requirements of a solution, and who will be involved. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Are You Solving the Right Problem?" by Dwayne Spradlin. Read the article and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Finance Basics for Managers Ebook Now Available Don't let your fear of finance get in the way of your success. Whether you're new to finance or you just need a refresher, this go-to guide will help you learn the language of finance, assess your vulnerability to industry downturns, use financial data to defend budget requests and much more. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Ask Your Critic to Join Your Team Improve Your Presentation in Real Time Know the Culture Before You Accept the Job Debunk the Myths Holding Your Company Back Capture Your Audience Right Away Bring Out Quieter Voices on Your Team Get Feedback, Even If You're the Boss Out of Time? Give Some Away Give Employees Freedom, Within Limits Start Your New Client Relationship Right All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)