Jerry Weinberg defined a problem as “a difference between what I have and what I want.” When solving our own problems, this can be difficult enough. When we solve problems for other people, which is most of what software development is about, the difficulty increases exponentially.
Resist jumping to solutions and first expand your understanding. These questions can aid you (and the person who has the problem) in exploring the problem space.
Start by exploring why the situation is a problem, and how big a problem it is:
- What is the essence of the problem?
- What makes this a problem for you? Is it a problem for others?
- What impacts do you observe and experience?
- Does it always happen? How often? Are there exceptions?
- What would having a solution do for you?
You’ll gain insights, and the person with the problem probably will, too.
If you’d like to expand your ability to solve problems, please join us for PSL. You’ll spend the week honing your ability to ask questions and generate options.
by Don Gray