“What Problem Do We Solve?”
The Crucial Step in Problem-Solving Discussions
Introduction
In the fast-paced world we operate in, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding solutions and implementation details.
However, we often overlook a critical step that can make or break our endeavors — the identification and understanding of the problem we aim to solve.
In fact, research shows that a staggering 70% of failed projects can be traced back to incorrectly defined problems.
This means that a majority of organizations invest significant time, effort, and resources into developing solutions that miss the mark entirely.
In this post, we’ll explore the profound consequences of solving the wrong problem and the vital importance of starting every technical discussion with the question: “What problem do we solve?”
The Blockbuster Story
The story of Blockbuster and Netflix provides a compelling example of the consequences of solving the wrong problem.
Blockbuster, once a dominant video rental company, had a vast network of physical stores where customers could rent movies. As the digital age dawned, they faced a critical decision — adapt to the changing landscape or maintain their tried-and-true business model.
Meanwhile, Netflix, a relatively unknown DVD-by-mail service, recognized the shifting preferences of consumers. They understood that people wanted the convenience of receiving DVDs at home without the hassle of late fees and limited selections. Sensing an opportunity, Netflix made a daring move — they focused on solving the problem of accessibility and convenience through online movie streaming.
As Blockbuster continued to invest in their brick-and-mortar stores, Netflix thrived by addressing the evolving needs of customers. Blockbuster failed to recognize the true problem — the changing landscape of movie consumption — and instead focused on refining their existing rental model. This misalignment led to Blockbuster’s decline, eventually filing for bankruptcy, while Netflix became the industry leader in online streaming.
The Blockbuster-Netflix saga may be a stark reminder of the implications of solving the wrong problem.
Solving The Wrong Problem
Solving the wrong problem can have significant implications for individuals, teams, and organizations.
Some of the consequences include:
1. Wasted resources: when efforts are directed towards solving the wrong problem, valuable time, money, and resources can be squandered.
This includes research and development costs, employee hours, and potential investments that could have been utilized more effectively.
2. Missed opportunities: solving the wrong problem means missing out on valuable opportunities for growth and innovation. By focusing on irrelevant issues, we may overlook emerging trends, market demands, and real customer needs that otherwise could lead to breakthrough solutions and competitive advantage.
3. Damaged reputation: delivering tangible results and addressing real challenges is the outcome we’re expected to deliver. When solutions fail to address the core problem or fall short of expectations, trust and credibility can be undermined.
Practical Tips
To overcome this pervasive issue, here are some practical tips I can suggest:
1. Cultivate a culture of curiosity: encourage team members to continuously question assumptions, challenge the status quo, and dig deeper to uncover the true problem.
Nurture a spirit of curiosity that fuels the pursuit of understanding before jumping to solutions (easier said than done!)
2. Embrace an iterative approach: recognizing that that problem-solving is an iterative process.
Instead of rushing towards immediate solutions, we should allocate sufficient time for problem exploration, proof of concepts, data gathering, and analysis.
3. Foster cross-functional collaboration: by integrating perspectives from different domains, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and increase the likelihood of finding right solutions.
Conclusion
One thing is clear — failing to identify and solve the right problem can have dire consequences, leading to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and potential failure
The question “What problem do we solve?” may serve us as a guiding principle in problem-solving discussions.
By starting with this question, we may increase the chances of achieving meaningful and impactful results. So, the next time you embark on a new project, remember to pause and ask yourself and others “What problem do we solve?”
Thank you for reading!
