Among the many skills in project leadership and innovation, one specific ability is crucial for even beginning to develop something new: problem analysis. This is also the skill I love to practice!
In creative work with people who love to solve challenges, there are always a few who are eager to get to work on building the new service, product, or process. They see a challenge and immediately want to jump to a solution. However, it’s essential to put in the work early in the process to get a complete and accurate picture of the challenge. You need to understand it in depth to solve the right problem, which is why giving problem analysis its own dedicated workshop is so important.
Jumping to a solution without a deep dive into the problem is a common pitfall. The result is often a solution that addresses a symptom, not the root cause. This is where methods from the innovation field become invaluable tools. They help you slow down, think critically, and gain a comprehensive view of the landscape you’re navigating.
The Problem Tree
One powerful tool is the Problem Tree (also known as the Root Cause Analysis Tree). This method helps you visualize the cause-and-effect relationships surrounding an issue. You start with a core problem at the center (the trunk), then branch out to identify all the direct causes (the roots). From there, you identify the effects or consequences of the problem (the branches and leaves). This visual map reveals the true drivers of the issue, allowing you to focus your efforts on the most impactful areas. Instead of treating a symptom, you can address the root cause and create a lasting solution. It’s great to do this in a workshop!
The Sailboat Exercise
Another effective method is the Sailboat Exercise (part of Luke Hohmann’s “Innovation Games”). This exercise is fantastic for identifying the forces at play in a project or a challenge. You draw a sailboat on a whiteboard. The wind in the sails represents the positive forces or “drivers” that are moving your project forward. The anchors or obstacles below the boat represent the negative forces or “barriers” that are holding you back. By having a team collaboratively fill out the sailboat, you gain a shared understanding of both the opportunities and the risks. It’s a great way to build consensus and identify which barriers need to be removed to allow the project to move forward more effectively.
These methods are not just academic exercises; they are practical tools that transform the way you approach challenges. They prevent you from wasting time, money, and resources on solutions that are destined to fail. They empower your team to move from assumptions to insights, from symptoms to root causes, and from vague ideas to concrete, impactful strategies.
So, before you start brainstorming or sketching out a new design, take a step back. Gather your team and dedicate an hour to a structured problem-solving workshop. Use a problem tree to get to the heart of the issue, or a sailboat exercise to map out your opportunities and obstacles. The time you invest in this phase will be paid back tenfold in the quality and success of your final solution. The best innovators don’t just solve problems—they master the art of understanding them first.
Read more about running workshops and designing experiences here.
See you in the next one !
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