"1. Use a structured approach to problem solving"

"Question: What is the question you are trying to answer?"

"Issues: What are the main issues / hypothesis that are relevant to focus on to answer the question?"

"Analysis: What is the analysis that should be conducted in order to identify approaches to address the issues / hypothesis?"

"Seven Steps to Problem Solving"

"Issue Trees"

"An issue tree is an approach to deconstruct a question into discrete addressable components."

"Typically in Step 2 in the Seven Steps mentioned above."

"2. Integrate mixed methods and sources to maximize impact"

"Methods: Qualitative (Ex. interviews, focus groups, ethnography), Quantitative (Ex. surveys, internal data, external reports)"

"Sources: Primary data (Ex. observational, interviews, surveys, ethnography, etc.), Secondary data (Ex. market reports, expert interviews)"

"Progressive learning"

"Explore different approaches (methods and sources) depending on where you are in the problem solving process, as well as the accuracy and granularity of information you are looking for."

"Cross-validation"

"While properly designed research should stand on its own, the findings can be even more robust if they are compared against other sources."

"Ideation"

"Ideation is a process of convergence and divergence. While we often think of “Data-driven” as an approach to find “right” answers (convergence), I think aggregation of a variety of data can also help trigger inspiration (divergence) to lead us to more creative hypothesis and solutions."

"Stakeholder alignment"

"One of the most important reasons for bringing together a variety of perspectives is to facilitate understanding among a diverse set of stakeholders."

"3. Develop clear recommendations and drive implementation"

"Communicate using the Pyramid Principle"

"It’s all about top-down messaging."

"Start with the conclusion first, then make sure the building blocks are there to support the overarching message."

"Draw actionable implications"

"Develop an example roadmap"

"Involve & get buy-in from the right stakeholders"

"Conviction"

"1 — Use a structured approach to problem solving"

"Quick Recap"

"2 — Integrate mixed methods and sources to maximize impact"

"3 — Have clear recommendations and drive the implementation of them"