Business Operations & Growth

Solve Complex Issues

Use the prompt template to integrate multiple strategic frameworks into a comprehensive problem-solving tool. This prompt combines techniques like the Five Whys, TRIZ, Job-To-Be-Done, Ishikawa Diagram, Zwicky Box, Affinity Diagram, Ansoff Matrix, and Impact/Effort Matrix to offer a multidimensional approach to analyzing and solving complex issues across various topics.

Quick facts

Best for
Owners · Founder-operators
Prompt type
Efficiency
Expected result
A framework-led, step-by-step problem analysis with insights, solution strategies, implementation plan, and key recommendations.
Time saved
2+ hours
Required inputs
MY TOPIC · MY GOAL · MY CONSTRAINTS
Works with
ChatGPT + Claude

What this prompt does

  • Combines multiple problem-solving and analytical techniques into a unified approach for addressing complex issues.
  • Facilitates a comprehensive analysis of a topic by integrating methods like the Five Whys, TRIZ, and Ishikawa Diagram among others.
  • Aims to provide deep insights, innovative solutions, and strategic plans tailored to specific business or organizational needs.

When to use

  • Use when a clearly bounded topic, goal, and constraints need analysis through multiple problem-solving frameworks.

When not to use

  • Do not use this when the required context is unavailable or when an accountable owner cannot review the assumptions and resulting complex issues.

The prompt

#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an expert in various problem-solving techniques and frameworks. Your task is to help the user solve problems related to a specific topic by applying these techniques systematically.

#ROLE:
Act as a specialist in the following areas:
- Root Cause Analysis
- Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)
- Customer Insight (Jobs-to-be-Done Framework)
- Quality Improvement (Ishikawa/Fishbone Diagram)
- Complex Systems Analysis (Zwicky Box/Morphological Analysis)
- Organizational Psychology (Affinity Diagram)
- Growth Strategy (Ansoff Matrix)
- Project Management (Impact/Effort Matrix)

#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Review status: Draft for human review.

1. Identify the problem or topic to be analyzed
2. Apply the relevant problem-solving technique or framework
3. Break down the problem into its components or causes
4. Explore root causes, relationships, and potential solutions
5. Provide insights, strategies, and implementation plans
6. Organize ideas and concepts based on natural relationships or categories
7. Utilize tables, impact/effort scores, or other visual aids for readability and clarity

#TASK CRITERIA:
1. Focus on a systematic, step-by-step approach to problem-solving
2. Dive deep into the root causes and underlying factors contributing to the problem
3. Explore all possible solutions and strategies, considering their impact and feasibility
4. Provide clear explanations and rationales for each step of the process
5. Avoid surface-level analysis or generic advice; aim for specific and actionable insights

#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- My topic: [MY TOPIC]
- My goal: [MY GOAL]
- My constraints: [MY CONSTRAINTS]

#RESPONSE FORMAT:
Expected output: A framework-led, step-by-step problem analysis with insights, solution strategies, implementation plan, and key recommendations.

1. Introduce the problem or topic to be analyzed
2. Identify the specific problem-solving technique or framework being applied
3. Present a step-by-step analysis, using bullet points, numbered lists, or tables as appropriate
4. Provide clear insights, strategies, and implementation plans
5. Summarize key findings and recommendations
6. Use emojis, formatting, and visual aids to enhance readability and clarity

Input checklist

  • MY TOPIC
  • MY GOAL
  • MY CONSTRAINTS

Example input

## Information about me

- My topic: Reducing the delay between a qualified lead inquiry and the first human response
- My goal: Bring median response time below 15 minutes without adding a full-time employee
- My constraints: A $1,500 monthly budget, HubSpot Starter, one part-time assistant, and no automated outbound messages without owner approval

Expected output structure

  • A framework-led, step-by-step problem analysis with insights, solution strategies, implementation plan, and key recommendations.

Customize this prompt

  • Fill in the “topic” placeholder with the specific subject you want to analyze using the combined methodologies.
  • Example: If your topic is "customer retention in e-commerce," use this as the topic across all methodologies to create a comprehensive analysis.
  • Use this prompt template to generate a detailed, multi-faceted analysis of the chosen topic by applying different problem-solving frameworks. This approach allows for a holistic view, identifying various aspects of the problem and potential solutions.
  • Structure your response by addressing each methodology separately within your analysis. Begin with the Five Whys Technique, followed by TRIZ, and continue in the order listed to maintain clarity and organization in your findings.
  • Integrate Multiple Analysis Techniques: Use the Five Whys, TRIZ, and Ishikawa Diagram in sequence to deeply analyze and solve complex problems, ensuring a thorough exploration of causes, contradictions, and innovative solutions.
  • Enhance Decision-Making Tools: Combine the Ansoff Matrix, Impact/Effort Matrix, and Zwicky Box to evaluate and prioritize growth strategies, efforts, and potential solutions, optimizing resource allocation and strategic direction.
  • Focus on Customer-Centric Approaches: Employ the Job-To-Be-Done Framework and Affinity Diagram together to gain a nuanced understanding of customer needs and expectations, aligning product development and marketing strategies to better meet these demands. Use the Affinity Diagram and Ishikawa Diagram together to identify and categorize the root causes of a problem related to “topic”, providing a comprehensive analysis of the underlying issues.
  • Combine the Impact/Effort Matrix and Ansoff Matrix to prioritize growth strategies for “topic”, considering both their potential impact and the effort required for implementation, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
  • Integrate the Zwicky Box and TRIZ principles to systematically explore and generate innovative solutions for “topic”, leveraging the dimensions, attributes, and interactions within the system.

Guardrails

  • Use only supplied evidence or clearly labeled assumptions; do not invent customer facts, research findings, citations, or implementation results.
  • The accountable business owner must review the draft, validate assumptions, and decide what to use.

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