Why Use It
Once the problem (situation) has been
identified, this template will help you determine the right level at which the
problem should be resolved. You do not
want to solve a problem that is either too general or too specific. Trying to
resolve too general a problem is difficult or impossible. Trying to resolve too
detailed a problem leads to solving only part of the problem.
How to Use It
Use this thinklet to look at the whole
situation by broadening and narrowing the scope of your original
problem/situation.
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Steps |
Action Description |
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1 |
Write your original
problem/situation in the middle of the template. |
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2 |
Broaden the original
problem simply by asking the question: “Why does the problem need
resolution?” Restate the new broader problem starting with: “How can
I/We ...” Repeat this 3-4 times or until
you can’t broaden it any further. |
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3 |
Narrow the problem simply
by asking the question: “What prevents resolution of the problem?” Again, restate this new narrower problem
starting with: “How can I/We ...”
Repeat this 3-4 times or until you can’t narrow it any further. |
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4 |
Once the hierarchy is
completed look at the results to determine which one is the best statement of
the problem. |
Information Source: Min Basadur, SIMPLEX – A Flight to Creativity,
(Creative Education Foundation)
Holistic
Seeing -Template
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Make a broader problem
statement. “How can I/we …” |
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“Why does the problem
below need resolution?” |
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Make a broader problem
statement. “How can I/we …” |
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“Why does the problem
below need resolution?” |
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Make a broader problem
statement. “How can I/we …” |
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“Why does the situation
(problem) below need resolution?” |
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State the original problem
or situation here |
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“What prevents resolution
of the above problem?” |
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Make a narrower problem
statement. “How might I/we….” |
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“What prevents resolution
of the above problem?” |
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“What prevents resolution
of the above problem?” |
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Make a narrower problem
statement. “How might I/we….” |
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