Clarify problem. Use only useful frameworks. Validate assumptions. End with action.
When to Use
- Problem is ambiguous.
- Decision has meaningful tradeoffs.
- Root cause is unclear.
- Work needs decomposition.
- Strategy or product direction needs structure.
Goal
Turn unclear thinking into a practical recommendation.
Rules
- Ask 2-3 questions only when needed.
- Do not use frameworks for decoration.
- Use 2-3 complementary skills at most.
- Compare agreement, conflict, and gaps.
- Name assumptions.
- State what would change the recommendation.
- End with a concrete next action.
Useful Pairings
- Root cause:
five-whys. - Decomposition:
hypothesis-tree. - User need:
jobs-to-be-done. - System links:
graph-thinking. - Strategy context:
pest-analysis. - Product decision:
making-product-decisions.
Flow
- Define problem and decision.
- Clarify success criteria.
- Pick relevant frameworks.
- Analyze from each angle.
- Synthesize into one view.
- Validate assumptions and risks.
- Recommend next action.
Questions
- Who is affected?
- Who decides?
- What does success look like?
- How will success be measured?
- Why now?
- What happens if nothing changes?
Output
## Problem
- [name]
## Clarity
- Who: [stakeholders, deciders]
- What: [problem, success criteria]
- Why: [urgency, consequence]
## Approach
- [framework or skill]: [why it fits]
## Validation
- Assumptions: [key assumptions]
- Risk if wrong: [main risk]
- Change trigger: [what would update view]
## Next Action
- [specific first step]