We all solve problems. We simply cannot maintain our daily lives if we are not equipped to deal with the challenges that life constantly throws at us. “Which is an efficient commuting route to avoid traffic jams and get to work on time?” “Where should I take friends who are on a business trip to the local area for dinner?” “How can I lose weight gained during the holidays?” Technology can help us solve problems, but it is not always useful. Problem-solving ability is a major manifestation of human thinking and one of our most complex intellectual activities. This is a core element of what makes people human.
When faced with unconventional and complex problems, we cannot solve them simply by relying on professional knowledge. We need to understand how to reason in a generalizable way to solve complex problems without falling into the quagmire of indecision. We also need to effectively use our expertise and intelligence to overcome the overwhelming temptation to jump to conclusions without enough information. What we need is a set of standardized and generalizable problem-solving methodologies, as well as practical tools required for each step in the problem-solving process.
"McKinsey 4S Method for Problem Solving" proposes a set of rigorous and practical problem-solving methodologies, that is, the 4S Method for Problem Solving. It starts from the four complete steps of problem statement, problem construction, problem promotion and solution promotion, and gradually gets to the core of the problem and learns to solve any challenging business problem.By mastering this methodology, anyone can become a master problem solver!
Information directory
Part 1: 5 major pitfalls in problem solving
1.5 problems in solving problems The Big Trap
Trap 1: Wrong Problem Statement
Trap 2: Applying Potential Solutions
Trap 3: Applying the Wrong Frame
Trap 4: Narrowing the Problem
Trap 5: Ineffective Communication
Part 2 Problem Solving 4S Method
2. Problem Solving 4S Method
4S Method Where Does It Come From
Problem Solving Solution 4S
3. Problem statement: TOSCA framework
Trouble: What makes the problem real?
Owner: Whose problem is this problem?
Success criteria: What does success look like, will When does it happen
Constraints: what are the constraints and how are they weighed
Actors: who has a stake in the matter, what do they want
The core question to find the answer
Problem statement The mindset required: empathy
4. Problem construction: hypothesis pyramid and problem tree
Hypothesis-driven problem construction
Building a hypothesis pyramid
Problem-driven problem construction
Hypothesis pyramid is still a question Question tree
5. Problem construction: analysis framework
Use the framework to split the problem
Industry framework: the driver of value creation
Functional framework: basic skills for problem solving
No frame: logical splitting in line with the principle of MECE problem splitting
6. Problem solving: octave analysis method
From problem construction to analysis
Octave analysis method
Create a plan for analysis
Steps to perform analysis
7. Problem Solving: The 5 stages of design thinking 1
When to apply design thinking
The 5 stages of design thinking
Phase 1: Empathy
Phase 2: Define
8. Problem Solving: The 5 Stages of Design Thinking2
Phase 3: Ideation
Phase 4: Prototyping
Phase 5: Testing
9. Solution Pitching: The Pyramid Principle
Tell the story of the solution, not the story of seeking solutions
Use the Pyramid Principle
Structure Think about your story line
Either categorize or discuss it
10. Solution Pitch: High-Quality Report Slides
Stay Communicated
Beware of the Slide Curse
Create an effective, modular report
Create content pages for reports
Quantitative diagrams are to the point and concise
Use concept maps sparingly
Create fewer slide pages
Create Slides are not the purpose of the report
Part Three 4S Method Application in Practice
11. 4S Method Application in Practice
Case Study: Opportunities for Kangaroo Company
Kangaroo company background information
Problem statement
Problem construction
Problem solution
Solution promotion
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McKinsey Problem Solving 4S Method
