Review the Ways to Restate a Problem

Problem Restatement

Job Aid

Review the ways to restate a problem.

Paraphrase. Restate the problem using different words without losing the original meaning.  Initial Statement: How can we limit the number of employee absences?  Paraphrase: How can we keep employees from being absent?

180 Degrees. Turn the problem on its head.  Initial Statement: How can we get employees to arrive at the team meeting on time?  180 Degrees: How can we ensure that employees are late to the team meeting?

Broaden the Focus. Restate the problem in a larger context.  Initial Statement: Should I change jobs?  Broader Focus: How can I achieve job security?

Redirect the Focus. Consciously change the focus.  Initial Statement: How can we decrease costs?  Redirected Statement: How can we increase sales?

Ask “Why.” Ask “why” of the initial problem statement. Then, formulate a new problem statement based on the answer. Then, ask “why” again, and once more restate the problem based on the answer. Repeat this process a number of times until the essence of the “real” problem emerges.  Initial Statement: How can we market our products on the Internet?  Why? Because more and more people use the Internet to shop for insurance.  Restatement: Why do people shop for insurance on the Internet?  Why? Because they can read and compare information without making a commitment to buy a policy.  Restatement: How can we inform people about our products and convince them to buy a policy?  Why? Because we have good products, our products are competitively priced, and we offer excellent claims service.  Restatement: How can we get more information about our great company and products to the public?  Why? Because people want to protect their assets with insurance and we can meet their needs with great products and excellent customer service.  Restatement: What is the best way to market our products and services so that the largest possible number of people know about our products and buy them?

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Activity

Think of a problem you are currently trying to resolve in your workplace. Write down the problem statement as you now know it.

Take one of the problem statements and try restating the problem using at least two of the methods listed on the first page. Write your revised problem statement here.

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