Thinklet

Main menu

Questions

Toolkit

Mtg Tips

Problem & Goal Statements

Why Use It

To a large extent, thinking is shaped by how a situation is portrayed.

· An unclear problem statement can lead to finding solutions to the wrong problem.

· Without a clear goal statement, people will scatter ideas all over the place.

Therefore, development of good problem and goal statements may be the most important step in problem solving.

How to Use

Problem Statements

Initial Problem Statement Write an initial problem statement that represents the problem as it exists right now.
Problem Restatements To help ensure you have the right problem statement consider restating it in a variety of ways. Chose the best statement.
Facilitator Questions	Restatements
How others involved might state the problem? E.g. Problem Owner, Boss, Customer, Outsider, Peer, Subordinate.
How might the problem be stated as a positive opportunity?
If the problem could be boiled down to one word, what would it be?
Are there more accurate words that better state the problem? Use synonyms and antonyms.
How would the problem be stated as a broader problem?
Restate the problem based on when it occurs, where it occurs, how it occurs and why it occurs.

Goal Statement

Initial Goal Statement Write a goal statement that describes what the problem will look like after it has been resolved.
Goal Restatements To help ensure you have the right goal statement consider restating it in a variety of ways.
Facilitator Questions	Restatements
How others involved might state the goal? E.g. Problem Owner, Boss, Customer, Outsider, Peer, Subordinate.
Restate the goal based on the single most important reason for wanting to resolve this situation.
State a larger goal that might eliminate the need to achieve this smaller goal.
Write the most ideal goal statement you can think of.
Restate the goal to include a quantitative measurement.
Try narrowing the goal by asking: 'What is the purpose of reaching the goal?' Ask this same question five consecutive times to identify a core goal/purpose.
Goal Statement Validation Select a goal statement that best fits your needs. Validate its correctness with these questions.
Facilitator Questions	Restatements
Will accomplishment of the goal solve, in part or whole, the stated problem?
Is the scope of the goal limited enough so that it can be reached?
Are you sure this is the final goal or is it an intermediate objective?
Does the goal create a short-term gain but a long-term loss?
Will everyone who reads the goal statement have the same understanding?