Notice a Problem Worth Solving

Before you rush to fix something, make sure you understand the problem well enough to act responsibly.

1. Describe What Is Actually Happening

Use observations instead of labels. “The hallway is chaotic” is vague. “Students are arriving at the same doorway from three directions and blocking each other” gives you something to study.

2. Ask Who Is Affected

Different people may experience the same problem differently. Find out whose perspective you need before deciding what the problem is.

3. Look for Causes, Not Just Symptoms

Ask “Why is this happening?” more than once. The obvious problem may be the result of something deeper.

4. Check Whether the Problem Is Real

Observe, count, compare, ask, or research. Do not build a solution around a problem that exists mostly in your assumptions.

Try It

Students say the lunch line is “too slow.” What evidence could you collect before deciding what needs to change?

💡 Funky Tip

A problem worth solving is specific enough to understand and meaningful enough to matter.

I am smart.

Strong problem-solvers spend time understanding before jumping to solutions.

🎒 Take It With You

Observe → listen → investigate → define the real problem.