There are five questions you need to ask about solving any development problem or meeting any challenge. I want to describe in detail how to use each question to reach better solutions to problems. I use the term "resources" as a short hand for money, special skills, talent, specialized knowledge, natural resources, and local institutions.
Who?
Who, within our organization or community can help deal with the problem? Don't neglect anyone at any level of the organization or in any part of the community. Who should take the lead in addressing the problem or challenge? Who should be the main "helpers" for the lead person? Who can we bring in from outside the community?
What?
What is the problem exactly? You must be able to state the problem in very specific terms or you will not find a good solution. Be sure the problem you propose to solve is really a problem and is not merely a symptom of the real problem. Do this by asking "why" when presented with a statement of the problem. Ask why this "problem" is a problem. You will probably find a deeper problem? Ask if this is really the root of the problem.
These are some other "What?" questions to ask yourself:
- What would happen if we ignored the problem?
- What resources (e.g., talents, natural resources, expertise, or money) do we have?
- What resources do we need to acquire?
Where?
Where can we go for assistance in addressing our problem or challenge? Keep in mind that there are many consultants, professional associations, books, and online resources that may be useful.
Asking "Where?" questions can also help us to focus our efforts more effectively? We should ask where our resources could best be used to solve a problem or meet a challenge?
When?
There are two related questions we can ask about a problem or challenge. When should we turn our attention to this problem? In other words, what priority should this problem have? Another question you should ask about any problem regards the effects of ignoring the problem? If ignoring a problem seems imprudent then the problem should have a high priority.
The next question is about the time frame for solving the problem. In other words, ask yourself when you should take action. If the deadline for a grant application that you would need to solve the problem is approaching, then the problem needs to be acted upon soon! Is there some other impending event or deadline that is relevant to solving the problem.
Why?
Not all problems are equally important! Ask yourself why it is even worthwhile to invest time and energy in this particular problem. Is it really a problem? Might it go away on its own? Can you tolerate the continued existence of the problem while still functioning normally? The resources spent on a minor problem might be better spent on something that will truly improve the community.
"Why?" can also be asked to get at the root of a problem. When first presented with a problem we often ask why the thing is happening. "Why are our sales dropping?" "Why are there so many defective products produced on this shift?" The idea is to go farther and, on finding a first answer, to ask more questions. Then ask "Why?" one or two more times, enough to get to the real source of the problem.
How?
How much time and effort does solving this problem really deserve? How will we benefit from solving this problem? How can we select a solution or option or strategy? You should pick the criteria for evaluating your options before generating the options. This short-circuits our tendency to choose intuitively then rationalize our choice.
Personal Applications:
The specific questions in this article are aimed at organizations or groups with problems to solve or opportunities to pursue. The questions could also work in one's personal life, whether the issue involves relationships, career planning, investing, or planning a part-time business venture.
