SCQA for Problem Definition
This post adapts Barbara Minto's SCQA to apply to a situation where there is less emphasis on providing specific answers but instead emphasis is given to collaborative problem solving.
This is a tweak of the Pyramid Principle which starts with a solution and then supports it with arguments. Here, we focus on laying out the groundwork on which solutions can be developed.
Situation
Describes the current state of affairs. It contains nothing but facts. These facts can be ones that everyone already agrees on, or can agree on easily provided they are presented with the relevant information. This section should not spark much debate and serves entirely to provide the background and context in which the problem we will be describing in the next section arises. Leave anything controversial out of this section and focus on data points, e.g., dates, costs. It should identify the people and players that play a part in this story, and make the audience see your worldview. This section should mostly remind people, not inform them (as they should know most of these things in the backs of their minds).
Example: We have $6MM in the bank and our revenue has increased steadily by 6% YoY, with costs increasing at 4%. Our operating cash flow is $2MM and we have a major vendor bill of $2MM which is due in 3 months.
Complication
In the situation described in the previous section, some complication has been identified otherwise we would not be writing this document. This section should spell out the reason to act now, and the consequences of inaction. It should state impacts of this complication if left unaddressed and urges the reader into paying attention to the situation at hand, as it impacts them directly (even though they may not fully know it yet). Essentially, people should understand what is at stake here.
Example: Unless revenue is increased by 2x, our company is projected to run out of cash in the next six months. The capability to generate additional revenue is at risk as organic customer growth, a major source of revenue, has stagnated.
Questions & Answers
This section raises questions on how to possibly deal with the complication. It does not propose specific solutions, but is intended to drive out more information on how we can address the problem. These questions are focused on posing relevant inquiries or identifying gaps that needs resolution. They are intended to make the reader think about possible options on how this complication can be addressed in the context of the situation.
Example:
- Can we increase our salesforce for existing clients?
- Can we set quotas for Business Development Managers?
- Can we raise prices for our key products?
Most of the time you will have some idea of how the problem might be solved. Thus it is helpful provide possible options to the questions you are raising, not as solutions to be implemented, but as options to consider. Sometimes, you can get away with providing extreme or even unimplementable options just to get your audience thinking.
Example: Can we increase our salesforce for existing clients?
- We could move external salespeople to focus on existing clients?
- We could get Project Managers at existing clients to do more Business Development?
- We could hire more salespeople?
For each answer, you can add 1-3 points of argument on why it might be a good option to pursue, or some of its pitfalls.
Conclusion
This summarizes the situation and complication, and potentially recommends a course of action based on the arguments provided in the Question & Answers section. As this document is not providing specific solutions and opening up lines of inquiry and discussion, this section does not need to be as meaty as recommended in the original SCQA material.