We need to ....., We should ........, We ought do ......., We must ........ — Oh what simple and common expressions!!!! They are generally spoken in the name of "problems" and "problem solving." However, when you hear individuals use these expressions, be prepared to ask clarification questions or simply to walk away. People who use these expressions are posing their solution or solutions to an undefined problem or even an unstated problem. They seek agreement and praise. They want followers, not questioners. They want others to adore and celebrate them for their wisdom. However, not one of them ever really solved any problem with this language.



To begin solving problems, write a list of the issues that concern you, frustrate you, even anger you. Issues are generally expressed in fewer than five words, most frequently three words, sometimes one words does the job. Examples include: the Iraq War, job creation, unemployment, the financial crisis, inadequate healthcare, social security, bonuses to top executives, no child left behind, traffic, teenagers having babies, and on and on and on ......... Make as long a list as you want. Get them all out of your brain so we can begin to move to problem statements.

When you are satisfied that you have completed your brain dump, now identify your #1 issue. Without thinking about the details, draw a circle around the items that really get you going almost to the point of wanting to argue or fight or even just scream. If you have none that fit that description, you need to return to your brain dump and continue your list development. If you have more than 10 items in your list, draw a rectangle around each of the 10 issues on which you want to focus. Now, rank the 10 items from 1 to 10, with #1 being the one you really want to tackle right now. Once you learn the process, you can certainly return to the other nine and repeat the process if you so choose.

Now take #1 and ask yourself, "Where does this issue occur or reside?" Sometimes the answer is an actual geographic place like a city. Other times the location is more abstract like a system, possibly a school system. Sometimes it's an organization like a company or a membership group. Sometimes it's a document or a piece of legislation. If multiple locations occur to you, write down all of them.

When you have exhausted your brain of locations, ask yourself, "When does this issue present itself?" Here you are looking for events or event time-frames during which the issue occurs. Sometimes it's during a party. Sometimes it's during a television show, during a meeting, during a conference, during a sporting event, during an argument. The possibilities are numerous. However, avoid identifying actual dates of an event because a date rarely reveals details as you go deeper into thinking about the issue and the evolving problem.

With the issue and the possibilities for locations and time frames identified, you now need to develop a list of verbs. You want verbs of action in either their simple verb form or their -ing form. If verbs do not come easily to you, pick up a dictionary, open it to any page, and put your finger on a word. See if the word feels correct to you. If it does not, try the words above and below the word to which you pointed or try another dictionary page. You should be able to find the correct words, for you, in five or fewer pages.

Finally, you are ready to assemble your problem statement with a clear destination in mind. Begin the statement with the -ing word followed by the #1 issue. Then add a verb that expresses how you feel. Put the two together. Then, ask yourself the questions whom or what? The answer gives you the third piece of the problem statement. The place and the event simply put boundaries to your focus so you are not tempted to wander in your thinking.

Examples: "Improving customer relationships generates new revenue streams."

With time and location added, the statement becomes, possibly, "In the sales department during the new product roll-out, improving customer relationships generates new revenue streams."

"Demanding personal accountability improves academic success."

With time and location added, the statement becomes, possibly, "In the health science course during preparation of opinion essays, demanding personal accountability improves academic success."