What do you do if your client's business is facing a complex problem that needs strategic thinking to solve?

In my experience as a consultant when a client's business is facing a complex problem requiring strategic thinking, applying the Design Thinking methodology can be highly effective. By applying it, you can approach complex business problems with a structured yet flexible methodology that prioritizes understanding the user's needs and iterating on solutions. This approach not only fosters innovation but also ensures that the solutions are practical and aligned with the client's strategic goals.

When facing a complex problem with a client's business, start by thoroughly understanding the issue through data analysis and stakeholder discussions. Break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, and identify root causes. Engage in strategic thinking by exploring multiple solutions, considering both short-term and long-term impacts. Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a tailored action plan. Continuously monitor progress, adjust strategies as needed, and maintain clear communication with the client throughout the process.

In understanding the challenge at hand ; there is nothing greater than engaging clients and the organization’s shop floor because in there lies the root cause and solution for complex challenges.

Before jumping to solutions, take the time to thoroughly understand the problem. This means not only identifying the surface-level issues but also digging deeper to uncover the underlying causes. Engage with your client to gather insights from different perspectives within the organization. By grasping the full scope of the problem, you set the stage for more effective and targeted strategic thinking.

The first step in addressing a problem effectively is to immerse yourself fully in your client's world, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. This involves gathering detailed information about the problem, but also looking beyond it to understand the broader context. Consider the business's history, culture, market position, and any external factors that may be contributing to the situation. By conducting this deep dive, you can identify the root causes rather than just addressing the symptoms, which is essential for crafting a strategic and sustainable solution.

The client stakeholders possess a wealth of data, enriched by years of domain expertise and industry knowledge that cannot be easily replicated. These individuals are also well-acquainted with potential pitfalls, and building strong relationships with them can help avoid significant issues later on. I recall collaborating with a warranty specialist who had 30 years of experience in the automotive industry to re-engineer the claims process using digital interventions and a machine learning classification algorithm. His deep understanding of car dealers and their tactics to exploit the warranty process was instrumental in establishing robust process guardrails, ultimately mitigating the risk of revenue loss."

Once you have a deep understanding of the problem, the next crucial step is to analyze the data you've gathered. This involves both quantitative and qualitative analysis to extract meaningful insights that may not be immediately obvious. Through various analytical techniques, such as statistical analysis, trend identification, and qualitative assessment, you can begin to form hypotheses about the underlying causes of the issue. This analytical process is essential for ensuring that the strategies you propose are based on solid evidence rather than intuition or assumptions, increasing the likelihood of successful resolution.

In my consulting experience, after thoroughly understanding the problem, diving into data analysis is where the real insights start to emerge. It's not just about crunching numbers—it's about interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data to reveal underlying patterns or trends that might not be obvious at first glance. Whether you're looking at performance metrics, market trends, or stakeholder feedback, this step helps you move beyond assumptions and gut feelings to develop evidence-based hypotheses. By rigorously analyzing the data, you can pinpoint the most likely causes of the issue and start shaping strategies.

This is probably the most delicate of steps in solving any issue. You could land up with a problem of too many or too little. Striking the right balance is the key. As much as blue-sky thinking needs to be encouragement, it is also pertinent to ensure the guardrails are always up and the tradeoff between risk and reward needs to be monitored. Start with some basics and solutions that might be thought off as too simple or easy to achieve, contrast that against too elaborate and out of box thinking.

Be careful in this stage as it might be tempting to rely on existing frameworks to generate quick answers. Keep in mind that the key to providing excellent advice lies in crafting tailored solutions that precisely address the client's unique challenges and needs.

Once the problem is well defined, brainstorming a range of potential solutions is crucial. Encourage diverse thinking and involve team members with varying expertise to contribute ideas. This collaborative approach often uncovers innovative solutions that might not have emerged otherwise. The key is to explore multiple angles before narrowing down the most viable strategies, ensuring that the solution is both creative and practical.

During this ideation phase, the goal is to generate as many potential solutions as possible. The focus should be on quantity, as more ideas increase the chances of finding an innovative and effective solution. Once you have a comprehensive list of possibilities, you can begin the process of narrowing down the options to those that are most viable, feasible, and aligned with the client's objectives. This approach ensures that the final solution is well-rounded and thoroughly considered from multiple angles.

In my consulting experience, the ideation phase is where creativity and strategic thinking come together. Once the problem is well understood and the data has been thoroughly analyzed, it's crucial to open the floor to a wide array of potential solutions. This is the stage where encouraging your client to explore every possibility—no matter how unconventional—can lead to innovative approaches that might otherwise be overlooked. Creating an open environment where all ideas are considered fosters collaboration and can often reveal unique solutions that align perfectly with the client's goals. The key here is not to rush to judgment but to allow space for diverse perspectives, which can then be refined into the most viable strategies.

Involving stakeholders early in the process also helps ensure their buy-in, which is vital for the smooth implementation of the chosen solution. When stakeholders feel that their voices have been heard and their concerns addressed, they are more likely to support the final decision, leading to a more successful and collaborative outcome. This consultation step not only strengthens the solution but also builds trust and fosters a sense of ownership among all parties involved.

In my consulting experience, engaging stakeholders early in the decision-making process is critical. By consulting those who have a direct stake in the outcome, you gain access to insights that might otherwise be overlooked. These perspectives often highlight potential challenges or opportunities that can refine the proposed solutions. Moreover, involving stakeholders fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the final decision, which is invaluable during the implementation phase. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of the solution but also paves the way for smoother execution and stronger support across the board.

In my consulting experience, crafting a strategy is where the plan truly takes shape. After gathering insights from stakeholders and evaluating all potential solutions, the next step is to develop a clear, actionable strategy that aligns with the client's broader goals. This strategy needs to be both practical and achievable, detailing the specific steps, assigning responsibilities, and outlining the resources required. By ensuring that every aspect of the strategy is tied to measurable outcomes, you create a roadmap that not only addresses the immediate issue but also supports the client's long-term success. This structured approach helps keep the project on track and provides a clear path forward.

A well-crafted strategy serves as a roadmap, guiding the client through the implementation process with clarity and direction. It provides a structured approach to problem-solving, ensuring that every action taken is purposeful, coordinated, and aligned with long-term objectives.

If business is facing a complex problem that requires strategic thinking to solve: 1. Assess key aspects of the problem based on business priorities 2. Form hypotheses and design analyses accordingly 3. Generate key insights and create a compelling strategic narrative 4. Develop recommendations, track progress and adapt continuously

If business is facing a complex problem that requires strategic thinking to solve: 1. Assess key aspects of the problem based on business priorities 2. Form hypotheses and design analyses accordingly 3. Generate key insights and create a compelling strategic narrative 4. Develop recommendations, track progress and adapt continuously