Jawn Lam

Impact-Focused Problem Approach

Problem Solving & Decision MakingEssay4 min read

A strategic thinking tool designed to simplify and effectively tackle complex problems, both in personal and professional contexts.

Builds on Pareto prioritization (Joseph M. Juran, Quality Control Handbook, 1951) and the quick-wins rule of the impact/effort matrix, worked one part at a time like the Ivy Lee method (Ivy Lee, for Charles M. Schwab), with a circle-of-influence check (Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 1989) and the small-wins case for momentum (Karl E. Weick, American Psychologist, 1984).

What it is for

The Impact-Focused Problem Approach is a strategic thinking tool designed to simplify and effectively tackle complex problems, both in personal and professional contexts. Its core principle is breaking down a large problem into smaller, more manageable segments, focusing initially on the aspects that have the greatest impact. This methodical approach not only makes daunting issues more approachable but also ensures that efforts are concentrated where they are most needed, leading to more efficient problem-solving.

Why use it

This thinking tool is effective for tackling problems in any area of your life, whether personal or professional. It's based on the concept of starting with the simplest part of a problem. This approach helps in managing complex issues by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts. It's also useful for implementing projects in a step-by-step manner. This thinking tool simplifies problem-solving by focusing on tackling the problem bit by bit, starting with the most impactful parts. It's designed to prevent wasting effort on the wrong issues and ensures you're addressing the right problem. It also helps in realizing the amount of control or responsibility you have over the problem, encouraging a step-by-step approach to find a solution.

How to use it

Start by addressing the most impactful part of the problem. This initial step, even if major, creates momentum and builds confidence. Then, continue to address the problem one step at a time. This gradual approach allows you to systematically work through the entire problem, making what might seem overwhelming more manageable while ensuring that the problem is resolved in a way that is durable.

  1. Identify the Problem. Start by clearly defining and understanding the problem at hand.
  2. Validate the Problem. Ensure you are addressing the correct problem. Use different thinking tools to confirm this.
  3. Set a Goal. Write a statement describing the desired outcome once the problem is resolved. Repeat asking the purpose to refine this goal.
  4. Assess Responsibility and Control. Determine if you have the responsibility or control to solve the problem. If not, identify who does.
  5. Assign an Impact Value. Identify and write down the simplest aspect of the problem that has the most impact and tackle that first.
  6. Record Completion. Decide what action you will take and note the date you completed it ("Did It" Date).
  7. Address the Next Part. After solving the most impactful part, identify the next part of the problem and address it.
  8. Repeat the Process. Continue repeating the process, tackling the problem in incremental steps until it is fully resolved.

The tool is particularly effective because it encourages a systematic approach, starting with the most impactful aspects and gradually working through to the less critical ones. This not only creates a sense of progress and momentum but also ensures that resources and efforts are allocated in the most effective way possible.

The worksheet

The problem and the goal

The two statements the worksheet starts from: the problem as it stands and what it will look like once resolved. Copy the canvas when you are done; nothing is saved.

Problem Statement

Write the problem you want to resolve.

Goal Statement

Describe what the problem will look like when it is resolved.

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The aspects of the problem, in order of impact

Describe each aspect of the problem and give it an impact value; the list under the scores puts the aspect to tackle first at the top. The tool sets no scale for the impact value: 1 to 10 here is a suggestion.

Impact value
Impact value
Impact value
Impact value
Impact value

Average impact 

VerdictGive every aspect an impact value.Most impact firstAfter solving the most impactful part, identify the next part of the problem and address it.

Tackle in this order

  1.  Aspect of the Problem 1
  2.  Aspect of the Problem 2
  3.  Aspect of the Problem 3
  4.  Aspect of the Problem 4
  5.  Aspect of the Problem 5

The completion record

As each aspect is resolved, write the action you took and the date you completed it, then take the next aspect on the list. Copy the canvas when you are done; nothing is saved.

Aspect and action

Decide what action you will take on each aspect.

Completion Date

Note the date you completed it ("Did It" Date).

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This table serves as a working document where users can articulate the problem, set a goal for its resolution, and then methodically break down the problem into smaller aspects. For each aspect, they assign an impact value, indicating the significance or potential effect of addressing that part of the problem. Then, they record the date on which each aspect is resolved. This format helps in keeping track of progress, ensuring that the problem-solving process is structured and focused.

The Impact-Focused Problem Approach is particularly beneficial in situations where problems appear overwhelming or complex. By dissecting the problem and tackling it part by part, this tool not only makes problem-solving more manageable but also instills a sense of achievement and progress as each segment is addressed, motivating continued effort toward complete resolution.

Where it fits

The process recommends it at Implementing the Action Plan, the third step of the Execute phase, where it is the one tool named: when the plan runs into trouble on several fronts at once, it sorts which to take on first.

Related tools

Within this series, the Ease-Impact Assessment Matrix adds the ease axis this tool scores only in words, and places many options on a grid where this tool works down the parts of one problem. For step 2, the Context Clarity Navigator and the Causal Chain Breaker are two ways to confirm you have the right problem.