Developing strategic thinking is crucial for focusing on critical problems and maximizing the impact of solutions for the organization.

Working to solve the right problems creates value and makes a difference in achieving strategic goals and priorities. Asking the right questions, understanding the impacts and importance of issues, opens up new perspectives on possible solutions and choices. Implementing strategic thinking guides action focused on what matters.

Here are 10 ways to explore critical problems for your organization and identify high-impact solutions.

1. Quantify the problem. A significant problem has an impact on strategy and can be measured in terms of profitability. Identify this link and quantify it.
2. Determine the appropriate level of effort to deploy. The impact of the problem helps determine the size of the efforts needed to solve it.
3. Search for the root cause of the problem. The current problem is often a visible consequence of the deep-seated cause. Researching this cause is the essential first step to understanding the real problem to work on.
4. Document the problem with tangible data. This measurement of the problem allows for the construction of solution scenarios and the measurement of the impacts of corrective actions. This documentation is essential.
5. Explore multiple potential causes. A problem does not result from a single factor. Several elements can contribute to it, and the use of quality tools is of great importance (cause-and-effect diagram, the 5 Whys, etc.).
6. Capitalize on divergent thinking. Before choosing a solution, it is crucial to identify potential solutions. Hypothesizing, exploring, testing, and validating before choosing allows for the creation of better solutions and better choices.
7. Avoid rushing. This often leads to suboptimal solutions. Either they are not developed enough, or the number of potential solutions is insufficient.
8. Work as a team. Diversity of opinions and perspectives can significantly stimulate the richness of solutions. Value these different viewpoints.
9. Opt for low-resolution tests to validate ideas. Based on positive validations, increase the resolution to gain certainty. You will gain speed and save your financial resources.
10. Work in sprints. Avoid overly long cycles, which ultimately prevent the creation and maintenance of momentum.

Putting strategic thinking into practice allows for understanding the impacts of solutions on the organization and the systems that compose it. Systems thinking and value chain analysis are also key elements to master. We will return to these in the coming weeks.

Have a good week,

Eric L'Heureux

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