Day 12: Mastering Product Challenges with a Problem Solving Framework
Be Better Engineering Leader, a 30 Days Series
This is the third week of a series of daily lessons on how to Be a Better Engineering Leader. I recommend spending up to an hour on each lesson to gain insights into Product, Technology, and People—areas critical for every Engineering Manager.
Today's focus is on transforming how you and your team approach challenges using a structured Problem Solving Framework. By working through this process, you ensure your team tackles the right problems in the right way, leading to better product outcomes and stronger alignment with your organization’s goals.
Problem Solving Framework
Effective problem-solving isn't about jumping quickly into solutions; it's about solving the right problems in the right way.
This 8-step framework will help you define, decompose, plan, and execute solutions to most challenges, ensuring a structured and thoughtful approach.
Recognizing the Problem (What’s the problem?)
Start by acknowledging the issue. A problem might be a gap between what is desired and what is perceived. Resist the urge to jump into solutions; instead, take a step back and ask, “What’s the actual problem we need to solve?”
Defining the Problem (What are the facts behind the problem?)
Clearly articulate and define what the problem is. Gather and analyze relevant data, separating facts from opinions. An example definition might be: “Customers are experiencing a high number of errors when completing transactions.”
Exploring the Problem's Depths (What are the root causes of the problem?)
Look beyond the surface to understand the complexity of the problem. Use techniques like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagrams. Investigate root causes by interviewing stakeholders or analyzing historical data.
Identifying Stakeholders (Who has the problem?)
Identify all parties impacted by the problem, such as end-users, customer support, and your engineering team. Understand their perspectives, pain points, and needs. This step ensures that all voices are considered in the solution.
Assessing the Willingness to Solve (Is it worth solving the problem?)
Evaluate if the problem aligns with broader goals and strategy. Consider the impact, feasibility, and resources required. Decide whether solving this problem is the best use of time and effort.
Developing Solution Strategies (What are the options for solving the problem?)
Brainstorm and list potential solutions. Encourage creative thinking and consider various approaches. Evaluate each option based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with goals. Select the optimal solution, ensuring it addresses root causes.
Implementing the Solution
Plan and execute the chosen solution. Define clear steps, assign responsibilities, and set timelines. Keep stakeholders informed throughout the process. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Monitoring and Reviewing (Are success metrics defined and achieved through the solution?)
Establish metrics to measure success. Regularly review progress against these metrics. For example, track a decrease in error reports or an increase in customer satisfaction. Be prepared to pivot if necessary.
Why This Framework Matters
Engineering teams often fall into two traps: jumping to immediate solutions without understanding the problem or overthinking it to the point of analysis paralysis. This framework helps balance both perspectives, encouraging thoughtful consideration while maintaining momentum.
Action Points
Select a Current Project: Choose an ongoing product project, task, or epic that your team is currently working on.
Apply the Framework: Reframe the chosen project using each step of the Problem Solving Framework outlined above. For example, if customers are reporting errors in a feature, go through each step to find the optimal solution.
Document Findings: Summarize your findings for each step in a concise document. This will not only clarify the problem but also provide a clear action plan for your team.
Discuss with Your Team: Share your document with the team and discuss how this reframing affects your current approach. Encourage input and collaborative refinement of the proposed solution.
Extra Resources
Article for Subscribers: The Problem Solving Framework. The content includes templates in FigJam and Notion which you can use to run a brainstorming session to reframe your problem.
Cheat Sheet (PDF): Download here
Recommended Book: Are Your Lights On? by Don Gause and Gerald Weinberg
By taking a structured approach to problem-solving, you'll not only develop better solutions but also foster a culture of thoughtful and effective problem management within your team. Start reframing your challenges today!
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