Most people think problem-solving is about having the «correct» answer. In English-speaking business culture, it’s actually about the process. This week, at The London Eye – English Consultant, we’ll show you that how you invite others to share, how you disagree politely, and how you pivot when an idea fails are what make you a valuable team member.
1. Framing the Problem: «How Might We?»
Before you find a solution, you must define the problem. Instead of saying «The problem is X,» which can sound negative, try the «How Might We» (HMW) approach. It turns a complaint into a question.
- Negative: «The website is too slow.»
- HMW Style: «How might we improve the loading speed of our website?»
- HMW Style: «What if we looked at this from the customer’s perspective?»
2. The Brainstorming Phase: Opening the Floor
When brainstorming, the goal is quantity over quality. You want to create a «safe space» where people aren’t afraid to be wrong.
- Inviting Ideas: «Let’s just throw some ideas at the wall and see what sticks.»
- Encouraging Input: «There are no bad ideas at this stage—let’s just get everything out in the open.»
- The «Yes, And» Rule: Instead of saying «But,» use «And.»
- Example: «I like that idea, and we could even add a referral program to it!»
3. Evaluating Ideas: The Art of «Constructive Friction»
This is where many people struggle. How do you say «I don’t think that will work» without being rude? We use «softening» language.
| Instead of saying… | Try saying… | Why it works |
| «That’s too expensive.» | «I’m a bit concerned about the budget for that.» | Focuses on the budget, not the person. |
| «That won’t work.» | «I see what you mean, but have we considered the technical limitations?» | Invites a discussion rather than a dead-end. |
| «I disagree.» | «I’m going to play devil’s advocate for a moment…» | Signals that you are testing the idea, not attacking it. |
4. Narrowing It Down: The «Path Forward»
Once the wall is covered in ideas, it’s time to choose.
- Shortlisting: «Let’s narrow it down to the three most feasible options.»
- Seeking Consensus: «Is everyone on board with this direction?»
- Action Points: «What is our first actionable step? Who wants to take ownership of this task?»
5. Essential Problem-Solving Idioms
- To think outside the box: To approach a problem in a creative, non-traditional way.
- To hit a brick wall: To reach a point where no more progress can be made. («We’ve hit a brick wall with the current software.»)
- Back to the drawing board: When an idea fails and you have to start again from the beginning.
- To bridge the gap: To find a way to connect two different ideas or groups.
6. The «Pivot»
Sometimes, you realize mid-way that the solution isn’t working. In English, we call this a pivot.
«It’s better to pivot early than to double down on a mistake.»
Useful Phrases for Pivoting:
- «In light of the new data, I think we should rethink our approach.»
- «Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture.»
Your Action Step for this week: Imagine your team is trying to decide where to have the annual summer party, but everyone is arguing. Write one sentence to «play devil’s advocate» or to suggest a «path forward.»
Example: «I’m going to play devil’s advocate—will a beach party be too difficult for everyone to get to?»
The London Eye - English Consultant 