In my experience as a consultant, I’ve often encountered clients eager to present me with solutions to their problems — solutions they’ve already envisioned before our first conversation. This enthusiasm for technology-driven answers is both impressive and revealing. It underscores a common tendency in problem-solving: the rush towards technocentric solutions without fully understanding the problem.
The Initial Conversation: A Deceptive Clarity 💬
Clients usually approach with a clear vision: a new app, a novel software deployment boasting innovative features like artificial intelligence, social integrations, and an exceptional user experience. At first glance, these solutions seem impeccable, ready to revolutionize the company’s operations.
Yet, the clarity often fades when I probe deeper with a simple question — “What problem are we trying to solve?”❓. The conversation becomes a maze of unconnected ideas, circling back to the initially proposed solution.
The Heart of the Matter: Understanding the Problem ❤️
This is where the real work begins. By revisiting the client’s first statement, I started peeling back the layers through a series of “why” questions. For example, a client might say, “We want to create a centralized repository of information because our team lacks knowledge in artificial intelligence. This will make it easier for them to access documents and courses, ultimately fostering an AI-savvy workforce.”
But does this address the core issue? How will employees find time to learn about AI amidst their busy schedules? Are we assuming that merely providing resources will ignite their motivation to learn? This is where the disconnect lies. Motivation doesn’t work on assumptions.
Rethinking the Approach: Asking the Right Questions 🤔
Instead of investing in a system with an outstanding user experience, we should take a step back. Why is the company lagging in AI adoption? Is it due to a lack of executive support, unclear goals regarding AI’s impact, or simply an overloaded workforce viewing AI learning as another task on their to-do list?
Perhaps the issue isn’t the absence of a centralized AI information hub but the lack of allocated time for learning. This insight shifts the solution from creating a platform to integrating learning opportunities into the work schedule.
The Takeaway: Focus on the Root Cause 🌱
Investing in technology without addressing the real issue is like applying a band-aid to a symptom rather than curing the disease. Before leaping to solutions, digging deeper and understanding the root cause is crucial.
How to Apply This Insight 📝
✅ Reflect on the Issue — Before proposing a solution, spend time understanding the problem. Ask “why” until you can no longer answer.
✅ Engage with Your Team — Discuss the problem with your team. Different perspectives can shed light on aspects you might have overlooked.
✅ Prioritize Understanding Over Solving — Ensure that everyone involved agrees on the problem before brainstorming solutions.
By shifting our focus from quick technological fixes to a thorough understanding of the underlying issues, we pave the way for more effective and sustainable solutions. Let’s not waste resources on solutions that don’t address the real challenges. Instead, let’s invest our efforts in genuinely understanding the problems we aim to solve.