<p>Problem Restatement</p><p>Problem Restatement</p><p>Job Aid</p><p>Review the ways to restate a problem.</p><p>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?</p><p>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?</p><p>Broaden the Focus. Restate the problem in a larger context.  Initial Statement: Should I change jobs?  Broader Focus: How can I achieve job security?</p><p>Redirect the Focus. Consciously change the focus.  Initial Statement: How can we decrease costs?  Redirected Statement: How can we increase sales?</p><p>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?</p><p>Problem Restatement v 1.1 1 Problem Restatement</p><p>Activity</p><p>Think of a problem you are currently trying to resolve in your workplace. Write down the problem statement as you now know it.</p><p>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.</p><p>Problem Restatement v 1.1 2</p>