Define the Real Problem

Half of all wasted effort solves the wrong problem. Definition is not paperwork — it is aiming.

Key Concepts

• A problem = the gap between current state and desired state, stated measurably
• Bad: 'sales are bad'. Good: 'sales fell 20% in Q2 among returning customers'
• Ask 'why is this a problem, and for whom?' — surfaces the stakeholder and stakes
• Check scope: solving the symptom, the cause, or the system?
• Agree the problem statement with stakeholders before solutioning starts

Try It Yourself

Take a vague complaint from your life ('no time', 'no money') and convert it into a measurable gap statement with a number and a scope.