Problem navigation
Problem navigation is consciously moving through a complex problem: from recognizing the situation, through a dependency map, to choosing the next step.
Definition
Is a practical concept Guru Element. It means understanding the problem before there is a solution: establishing facts, boundaries, stakeholders, causes, effects and points of influence. It is especially useful when the problem has multiple layers.
Key ideas
- Problem map
- Next step
- Influence points
Practice and life
Draw the problem as a map: center, causes, effects, people, resources and blockers. Mark one place with little traffic.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to jump to solutions without having any knowledge of the field. The second mistake is creating too detailed a map that blocks the operation.
> Not every problem needs to be solved immediately; first you need to know where you stand in it.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- Where exactly am I in the problem?
- What is fact and what is interpretation?
- What is the next sensible step?