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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#21Chapter 3: Problem Identification Techniques• Problem Identificationcreative Thinkingindividual and group Mode15-30 min(Rapid)

Rewrite Objectives in Different Ways

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

Rewriting the original objective from various perspectives (sales, cost, efficiency, effectiveness) to explore multiple paths to solving the problem.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Problem Identification
Dominant Thinking
creative
Participation
individual and group
Estimated TimeRapid
15-30 min
Fast
Input Format
Objectives and Comments
Output Format
Idea generation
Key Application
Transforming vague organizational goals into operational micro-goals and uncovering the hidden angles of strategic goals.
Core Differentiator:

Focus on changing the way the goal is expressed to prevent the mind from locking into a repetitive, predetermined path.

Quick Field Example:

Transforming the general goal of "increasing productivity" into specific goals such as "reducing the cost of waste" or "increasing sales per employee".

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Increasing mental flexibility, creating diversity in solutions, clarifying organizational expectations.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

possibility of dispersion of team focus in case of final prioritization of rewritten goals.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Business Strategy: Rewriting annual growth goals into specific marketing and financial goals.
Project Management: Clarify quality objectives and delivery timelines for the development team.
Personal Training and Development: Breaking Learning Objectives into Small, Measurable Skills.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Fundamental clarity of purpose: ensuring that all team members have the same understanding of purpose.
2Stimulating team creativity: unlocking innovative ways that would not have been seen with a single statement.
3Increased strategic flexibility: providing multiple alternative routes if one route is blocked.
4Facilitating functional targeting: turning general slogans into operational and achievable indicators.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

In the "Rewrite Objectives in Different Ways" technique, we assume that the way an objective is formulated determines the solutions available to us.

By retelling the goal from operational, financial, customer satisfaction, and employee motivation perspectives, new angles are revealed that allow the organization to achieve the ultimate goal with the lowest cost and highest effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Scenario: Strategic redefining of the goal of "productivity improvement" in an industrial holding
1
Step 1: Record the initial statement of the goalThe initial stated goal: "Increase the productivity of the organization this year".
2
Step 2: Rewriting from a sales and revenue perspective“Increasing effective sales volume per workforce through optimization of distribution channels”.
3
Step 3: Rewriting from the perspective of cost and resource management"reducing unnecessary costs and supply chain waste in order to strengthen profit margins".
4
Step 4: Rewriting from the point of view of operational efficiency and processes"Eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving the speed of circulation of correspondence and delivery of orders".
5
Step 5: Rewriting from the perspective of human resource targeting and motivation"Determining transparent, fair and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate personnel compensation".

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Previous Play (#20)
Redefining a Problem or Opportunity
Next Play (#22)
Squeeze and Stretch
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