Solve Problems Like A Leader

Solving problems is the core of leadership.

But not all problems are created equal.

Some are messy.
Some are hidden.
Some keep coming back no matter what you try.

Quick fixes don’t work.
Assumptions break under pressure.
What looks simple is often anything but.

That’s why leaders need thinking tools.
Not just instincts or experience.

5 proven ways to solve real problems properly:

❓ The 5 Whys
↳ Start with one clear problem you want to solve
↳ Ask “Why did this happen?” → then answer it
↳ Ask “Why?” again based on that answer
↳ Repeat until you hit a broken process or system
↳ Most real causes appear by the fifth why

🧭 Cynefin Framework
↳ First step: Diagnose the type of problem you have
↳ Clear: Obvious issue? Use the usual process
↳ Complicated: Get expert advice. Don’t improvise
↳ Complex: There’s no right answer. Test and learn
↳ Chaotic: Stop the bleeding before thinking long-term

🧠 First Principles Thinking
↳ State the problem in plain, exact language
↳ Break it down into its smallest parts
↳ Identify facts that are 100% provably true
↳ Remove everything based on habit or guesswork
↳ Rebuild a solution using only those raw truths

⚙️ DMAIC (Six Sigma)
↳ Define the issue with clear goals and boundaries
↳ Measure how the process is performing today
↳ Analyse the data to find what’s causing failure
↳ Improve by fixing the weak step in the process
↳ Control results with checks to keep it stable

🎯 Design Thinking
↳ Empathise: Understand how others feel the problem
↳ Define: Frame a problem that’s actually worth solving
↳ Ideate: Explore options beyond what’s been done
↳ Prototype: Trial the idea in a small real-world setting
↳ Test: Gather feedback, then refine with specifics

Problem-solving isn’t a step in leadership.
It’s the skill that holds every decision together.