Rethink the Future

Problem Statement
Worksheet
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PROBLEM STATEMENT EXERCISE

Properly defining a problem statement at the beginning of a project or initiative will dramatically improve
the success of the project or initiative. Problem statements help guide problem solving, analysis,
hypotheses, and solutions.

Developing a problem statement is an iterative brainstorming process. Get the major stakeholders in a
room for a few hours and start the process by having everyone write down what they think the problem is
on index cards. Collect the index cards and post them on a white board. You can either discuss each one, or
have the group pick the top 3 and then discuss them. You can use the Problem Statement Worksheet to
further define the problem by answering the 5 Ws and 1 H. The key is to find the right problem statement
that all stakeholders feel strong about, in that if the problem statement was solved, the problem would be
solved.

StratTools 2
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StratGuru
PROBLEM STATEMENT WORKSHEET
PROBLEM • xx
STATEMENT

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERS

WHO?
• Who does the problem impact • xx
and involve?

WHAT? • What does the problem impact? • xx

What are the drivers of the
problem?

WHY?
• Why is solving the problem • xx
important to stakeholders and
? the business?

WHERE?
• Where does the problem reside • xx
or have impact?

WHEN?
• When did the problem begin? • xx
When does the problem need
to be solved by?

HOW?
• How was the problem created? • xx
How can the problem be
solved?