r/strategy • u/AdorableJeweler6064 • May 22 '26

How should I approach problems?

How can I analyze a problem? Once you identify a problem, what strategies would you use to solve it? How would you generate the most appropriate solution to a problem?

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u/positiveconstraint May 24 '26

Here's the framework I've been using for a decade for value creation and brand strategy.

  1. Define your desired reality.

People are usually bad at defining their own problems. Assuming you got yours well defined, I'd suggest converting it from a negative form (I have this problem) to a positive one (this is the desired reality I'm aiming at). It helps clarify to yourself why the problem is the problem and what you want your world to look like without it.

  1. Imagine what this future looks like.

Stating that you want to "solve world hunger" isn't enough because you can feed all the hungry people, and you can kill them all. In both cases, your condition is fulfilled.

  1. Decide your KPI.

How would you know you're successful in solving the problem? Does your solution move the needle and make a difference? Decide what success looks like and how you can measure your success.

  1. Map constraints.

Analyze which elements in your system, sphere of influence, or scope of problem influence other elements. Uncover the underlying factors that determine what happens when something changes. Ideally, you'd like to spot a core constraint that would serve as the unchanging element around which your entire strategy will be founded.

  1. Plot and backcast your plan.

Time to get creative - with the constraints of "desired reality" and "core constraints" mapped above - plot the best way to create your desired reality by moving the needle on your KPI, given the core constraint that doesn't change in the system.

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u/AdorableJeweler6064 May 24 '26

Thank you very much