CHAPTER 6
Write a Better Problem Statement
by Daniel Markovitz
Experts in problem-solving emphasize the importance of deeply understanding the problem before implementing countermeasures. And many cite Charles Kettering’s maxim that “A problem well-framed is a problem half-solved.” But what, precisely, is a “well-framed” problem?
If you’re struggling to generate effective solutions, you might change the way you’ve phrased it. Word choice matters. Specifically, you need to pay careful attention to how you phrase the subject of the problem statement, and the way you’re measuring the problem.
Full disclosure: As a college English major and former high school English teacher, I’m predisposed to focus on the power of language. But this isn’t just ...
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