TROUBLESHOOTER’S STRATAGEMS
T-shooting Heuristics
These stratagems are the essence of successful problem-solving experience. Use them as guiding principles:
1. EVERY STEP SHOULD BRING YOU CLOSER TO VICTORY
Practical Application:
- Avoid "pass-through" actions.
- Each solution should be significantly stronger than competitors.
- Every step should produce a specific, measurable result.
- Eliminate actions that do not lead directly to the goal.
Example:
Instead of a series of trial advertising campaigns, run one powerful campaign that immediately shifts the market balance.
2. ANY ATTACK IS ENERGY FOR US
Practical Implementation:
- Look for ways to turn any harm into benefit.
- Use the opponent’s strength against them.
- Turn obstacles into opportunities.
- View problems as sources of energy for solutions.
Examples:
Herbert Dow used competitors’ dumping prices to obtain cheap raw materials.
Leveraging product criticism in an advertising campaign.
Turning a product’s drawbacks into its unique advantages.
3. THERE ARE NO UNSOLVABLE PROBLEMS – COURAGE IS NEEDED
Practical Application:
- Start with the most difficult tasks.
- Do not believe in "impossible."
- Look for solutions beyond the obvious.
- Overcome psychological inertia.
4. THE QUESTION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ANSWER
Practical Implementation:
- Carefully formulate the problem.
- Explore different ways to frame the question.
- Change perspectives on the issue.
- Ask unconventional questions.
5. IF A PROBLEM IS UNSOLVABLE – MAKE IT MORE COMPLEX
Practical Application:
- Add additional requirements.
- Tighten constraints.
- Set more ambitious goals.
- Look for a more general solution.
6. EVERYTHING NEEDED IS ALREADY NEARBY
Practical Implementation:
- Start by analyzing available resources.
- Look for non-obvious usage opportunities.
- Combine existing resources in new ways.
- Turn problems into resources.
7. A GOOD SOLUTION IS INVENTED – AN IDEAL SOLUTION IS SEEN
Practical Application:
- Strive for ultimate simplicity.
- Aim for automatic function execution.
- Utilize natural effects and phenomena.
- Minimize all types of costs.
8. A PARADOX IS NOT A DEAD END BUT A BREAKTHROUGH
Practical Implementation:
- Frame problems through paradoxes.
- Intensify contradictions.
- Seek solutions beyond compromises.
- Use paradoxical thinking.
Indicators of Stratagem Application:
- Solutions become increasingly simple and elegant.
- The number of compromises decreases.
- The ability to see non-obvious opportunities grows.
- Confidence in solving any problem increases.