Fake problem
A false problem is a situation described as a problem that is actually a symptom, a false frame, or a placeholder that distracts from the actual cause.
Definition
A false problem often occurs when we move too quickly to solutions. Instead of working on the mechanism, we fix a symptom, someone else's expectation or a problem poorly formulated in the language of emotions. Reliable problem definition requires checking the facts, stakeholders, effects and causes.
Key ideas
- Symptom instead of cause
- Incorrect framing
- Risk of wasting resources
Practice and life
Ask five questions: what exactly is happening, who is affected, what is the effect, how long has it been going on, and what indicates that this is the right problem.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to solve the first version of the problem without verification. It is also a mistake to accept someone else's problem label without checking the data.
> A poorly named problem can devour the best solutions.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- Is this a problem or a symptom?
- What data supports this definition?
- What won't change if I only solve this version of the problem?