Problem Statement
Worksheet
Taken from the [Link] Problem-Solving Series
Properly defining a problem statement at the beginning of a project or initiative will
dramatically improve the success of the project or initiative. Problem statements help guide
problem solving, analysis, hypotheses, and solutions.
Developing a problem statement is an iterative brainstorming process. Get the major
stakeholders in a room for a few hours and start the process by having everyone write
down what they think the problem is on index cards. Collect the index cards and post them
on a white board. You can either discuss each one, or have the group pick the top 3 and
then discuss them. You can use the Problem Statement Worksheet to further define the
problem by answering the 5 Ws and 1 H. The key is to find the right problem statement that
all stakeholders feel strong about, in that if the problem statement was solved, the problem
would be solved.
Taken from the [Link] Problem-Solving Series
Problem Statement Worksheet
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim
Problem ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in
Statement reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Key Questions Answers
• Who does the problem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut
Who? labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco
impact and involve? laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
• What does the problem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut
What? impact? What are the drivers labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco
of the problem? laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
• Why is solving the problem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut
Why? labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco
important to stakeholders
laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
and the business?
• Where does the problem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut
Where? reside or have impact? labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco
laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
• When did the problem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut
When? begin? When does the labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco
problem need to be solved laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
by?
• How was the problem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut
How? created? How can the labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco
laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
problem be solved?
Taken from the [Link] Problem-Solving Series