Very Advanced Problem-Solving

What is the difference between really effective problem-solving, and a merely average effort?

It could be 10x, the difference between finding exactly the right intervention in exactly the right place, and just doing the first thing that comes to mind.

Or it could be the difference between high impact and no impact at all.

Or the difference could be even larger still; the difference between a high impact solution and a “solution” that actually makes things worse.

• If you think you can see where the cause of the problem is, check with the deal fish theory before you take action.
• If you can see multiple possibilities for action, use the problem-solving pyramid to find the one which offers the highest leverage.
• And if you find that your solution seems to be making things worse not better, consider the possibility that you might be creating a vicious circle.