It’s easy to jump right to solutions when we intuitively experience a problem. The challenge is that it’s easier and more effective long term to accurately describe the problem first before proceeding. Here’s why:

1. Solutions do not always lead to resolution. If you want a solution that truly fits the problem you’re dealing with you need to know what your measure of success is.

2. Not all problems are worth solving. Sometimes the cost of a solution (in time or money) is higher than the cost of the problem itself. It’s worth knowing where to set your priorities before proceeding.

3. It’s more effective to commit to a problem being solved before identifying solutions because it allows you to explore many possible methods of resolution because your commitment is to the end result not the means.

4. On a team you need an agreement on the problem before you can proceed in good faith with resolving it. This may seem like a no brainer but it’s easy to assume they everyone sees the problem and sees it the same way. This can quickly lead to working at odds with others on your team. Get problem buy-in then solution buy-in.

4b. It’s also much easier to make successful progress through conflict if you agree on the problem first. If you can’t yet agree on the solution at least you can hold everyone accountable for their agreement to see the problem solved, which will help you maintain momentum for finding mutually agreeable methods.