The Project Management Tool Kit: 100 Tips and Techniques for Getting the Job Done Right

Define the Issue or Question

Good decision making begins with a clear, unambiguous statement of the question that needs to be answered. Avoid beginning to solve problems prematurely, before you understand the issues. Use cause-and-effect analysis to probe for the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. Decompose complex issues into a number of smaller, simpler ones.

Frame the issue by defining what results a decision must produce. Define measures that signify successful resolution, and limit your considerations to things that you can influence or control.