The first two articles mainly describe the concept of "U-shaped thinking", the definition of core questions and how to use why or what to say hello to questions. This paper will elaborate on "discovering the essence of problems" in combination with the course progress, focusing on four methods to discover the essence of problems: questioning method, framework method and analogy method.
First, layer by layer deduction, tap the essence
After seeing the initial question and turning it into why and what, learn to ask yourself: what is the essence of this matter?
The second link of U-shaped thinking is a process of "digging", and the core thinking is to dig the essence behind things and find the problems behind them through layer-by-layer exploration.
The process that we constantly dig deep into the problem is also the process that we constantly think about the essence. Essential thinking is one of the most important general abilities, and it will also have an important impact at all stages of life, and it is also a watershed that determines the career pattern.
Second, four methods to explore the nature of the problem
In order to explore the essence of things, Shen Tuo introduced four methods, which can be regarded as four modes of thinking. Although there are many combinations of methods to explore the essence of problems, using structured methodology quickly can not only save thinking time, but also judge the essence of problems systematically and quickly, and using methods skillfully can also deepen thinking ability.
The following contents will be introduced one by one around the four methods.
1, question method
Start with the problem, keep asking questions, trace back to the source and go straight to the root cause.
5why method: it is the basic method to dig the essence, and find the essential crux of the problem through continuous why questions.
Its essence is to establish a clear causal chain through constant questioning. There are three main points:
1) Make a scientific analysis of the causes of each problem.
It consists of three parts: the decomposition should be complete, independent and supported by arguments.
2) Find the most important reason among several reasons.
Delete the secondary reasons and focus on the main reasons. Need retrospective verification and theoretical support, you can refer to expert advice.
3) Keep asking questions to get to the root cause.
A concise expression of the initial problem/principal contradiction/principal law.
Regular texture hierarchy, controllable boundary of resources, practical operation guide.
Asking questions is a very useful method, but it also has some disadvantages, so it is necessary to ask the reasons of each link accurately.
2. Framework method
Overall analysis, build a framework, advance block by block, and focus on key points.
Frame method is a systematic, comprehensive and meticulous way to think about nature.
Its essence is to build a framework system through systematic thinking, and to decompose the structure, function and logic of things to realize the overall grasp of the problem field, to decompose the framework of the system, and then to focus on the key points and tap the essential way of thinking.
Describing the frame method with simple sentences is divided into three steps: overall overlooking, frame decomposition and key breakthrough.
Looking down on the whole: we should "look away from the picture", jump out of the close observation of the problem and look at the problem from a farther and bigger angle. I like to judge from another angle-"God's perspective", and look at the problem as a whole from the scale of time and space and organization.
Frame decomposition: it is the core of frame method. That is to say, after the target system is decomposed independently and in detail, a modular view is formed, which requires the ability of users.
It is necessary to have some existing theoretical framework models, a certain theoretical knowledge base and general logical common sense. The establishment of this framework model cannot be achieved overnight.
Predecessors or experts have provided many framework models to solve various problems, which require us to master the classical framework step by step to help us think about the essence.
Based on the frame method, we also need to use the 28 principle to judge the focus of the problem and choose the most important module as the key breakthrough.
Frame model mentioned in the course:
Industry analysis framework, enterprise strategy analysis framework, product business model analysis framework, market breakthrough analysis framework. See the figure for details:
3. Similar
Perspective the problem, find isomorphism, grasp the essence and lend it.
The essence of analogy is based on "pattern recognition", which is a good way to bring essential insight.
Draw inferences from others: extract the essential characteristics of * * * from one or more things and extend them to other things.
The three steps of the core operation are:
1) For the domain A involved in the problem, find a domain B with similar structure.
2) Similar problems in field B have been proved by practice or theory.
3) Transfer the abstract conclusion in the B domain to the problem domain A, and get the answer.
In U-shaped thinking, the applicable scenarios of analogy are generally divided into:
1) Same-field analogy: A can borrow B's judgment conclusion.
2) Exaggeration analogy: A should borrow the pattern features of B.
3) Theoretical analogy: A should borrow the theoretical achievements of B.
The application of analogy method needs to have the characteristics of thinking jump and abstraction, as well as multi-disciplinary jump, multi-disciplinary involvement and multi-category involvement. Although similar conclusions can be quickly deduced in different fields, their logical proof is not rigorous and the evidence is not sufficient.
In our daily life, we can read more history books and biographies, think about "taking history as a mirror" and "people-oriented", and cultivate a historical vision and awesome experience to judge the problems and countermeasures we are facing today.
4. Hypothetical method
Starting from the end, throwing out assumptions, structural decomposition, and step-by-step verification.
The essence of hypothesis method is: bold hypothesis and careful verification. The main features are: starting from the unknown, starting from the end point, starting from the structure that should be derived.
Put forward the hypothesis of the nature of the problem, including three steps:
1) puts forward the main points of hypothesis for the problem.
2) Construct an argument system with the goal of assuming the main argument.
3) Prove, falsify or correct the main arguments of the hypothesis and draw the final conclusion.
Premise: Hypothesis usually carries personal value judgment, which is the embodiment of one's belief. The requirements for personal ability include logical structure, argumentation thinking, argument collection, professional insight and thinking ability. This comprehensive ability cannot be cultivated overnight.
Difficulties in hypothetical methods:
1) study the laws and trends, and have knowledge reserves for the answers to universal questions.
2) Be good at using analogy and have a good habit of abstract thinking.
3) The ability to draw inferences from others.
4) Demonstrate the required research capabilities, including research, focusing, data analysis, case analysis, benchmarking, etc.
summary
In the module of discovering the essence of the problem, combined with the current situation, I asked myself: "Which of the four methods is usually used more? Which method do you prefer? What is the next method to prepare for intensive training? "
Among the four basic ways of thinking, hypothesis and questioning method are the most commonly used.
I personally prefer to ask questions. I can dig deeper into the essence of the problem or open my own boundaries by asking questions continuously, focusing or diverging questions.
The next step will be to strengthen the training of frame method, build a frame thinking model and apply mature schemes. This kind of frame thinking can improve one's logical thinking ability.