PART II: Decipher The Case

Before you can solve a case, you need to understand what you are actually trying to solve. This sounds obvious. It isn't. One of the biggest mistakes case-solving teams make is starting their analysis too quickly. They see a familiar problem, reach for a familiar framework, divide up the work, and start filling boxes. The problem is that analysis performed on the wrong question is still wrong. Deciphering the case is the process of turning a large amount of information into a focused understanding of: What is Happening? → Why Does it Matter? → What is the Real Problem? → What Decision Must be Made? Only then should you decide which analytical tools to use.