Finalize the Problem Statement

It is critical to ensure that the problem statement is:

• Core to the business goals of the organization.
• Clearly defined and is truly the problem and not just a symptom
• Approved by top management in its final state.

When many commando teams are planning to pursue a single problem, the leaders have to support, nurture, mentor and reward. Without this clarify and wholehearted support, the initiative will falter.

It sometimes happens that junior commando teams choose the problem statement and arrive at solutions. When this is presented to the top management, they receive feedback that the management considers this a problem not worth solving. All the effort is wasted and people dismiss the process as ‘something that does not work in our old-fashioned organization’.

Think outside the box, Eliminate the box. Eliminate non-value adding activities.