How do you choose the first operating problem to fix?

Choose the first operating problem by finding a consequential recurring constraint with a clear owner, observable evidence, and a scope small enough to change and evaluate.

Start with the problem statement

The strongest starting points are not necessarily the loudest complaints. Look for a pattern that crosses handoffs, delays a meaningful decision, or repeatedly demands executive intervention. Then describe who experiences it, when it occurs, and what evidence would show improvement.

Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer’s The Design Thinking Playbook connects problem framing, user needs, prototyping, and testing. The field lesson is to earn scope through learning: a bounded change can expose a larger system without requiring a larger promise.

BotGuide uses the Connected Operations Brief to make that selection explicit. It may conclude that the organization needs better evidence before choosing a project.

Sources

• The Design Thinking Playbook, Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer (Wiley)

Related insights

• Business operations transformation, defined
• Inside a Connected Operations Brief