Problem Statement

The right question, stated precisely.

Most strategy work fails at the first step — solving a question no one actually asked. Michael pins the real problem, its materiality, and how it will be judged, before a single hour is spent analysing it.

• ✓The core question, framed the way the decision-maker will judge it
• ✓Materiality, regional and financial context established up front
• ✓A shared definition everyone can work from