Reverse Problem Solving: When You Must Have a Certain Outcome

Introduction: Reverse Problem Solving – When You Must Have a Certain Outcome

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind.” There are times when you have to have a certain outcome for a problem. In such instances, you have to reverse the problem solving process, that is, work backwards methodically and fill in the missing information. See a personal case study below. To reverse problem solve, there are six steps:

6 Steps to Reverse Problem Solving

1. Define the problem
   1. What are the knowns?
   2. What are the unknowns?
2. What is the end result (goal)?
3. Develop a strategy to achieve the goal (solve the problem)
4. What are the necessary steps to achieve the goal, working from the end result to where you currently are?
5. Solve the problem using the steps identified to achieve the goals.
6. Does the solution make sense? Is it the best solution? Check the solution by working forwards.

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UPDATE: First Published September 2009

An Application of Reverse Problem Solving

When I was in college, Mount Royal College, that is now a university. During a very difficult test for my Logic class, we were given the first two and the last two steps for a logic problem. We had the starting and ending point. I looked at the first two steps and did not have a clue what the next step was, and leaving the problem was not an option since it was worth 30 percent of the total marks.

Without even knowing about Stephen Covey's “start with the end in mind,” I decided to start with the last two steps and work my way to the starting point. I remember at the time just taking one step at a time. I would ask myself what the preceding step was, and the one before that, and so on. And in no time I was at the second-to-last step.

I was happy as a “pig in mud.” I reversed the process when I wrote the answer in my answer book. Many failed that exam so I was happy with my 78 percent score on the examination.

The point of this story is to demonstrate that it is important to solve the problem one step at a time so you do not become overwhelmed. And if you do not know what your next step is supposed to be, do what I did and imagine what your end goal is supposed to be and work your way backwards. Also, there are many routes that you can take to get to an end point, and you do not have to know what they all are. If you take things one step at a time inevitably you will choose the best path for you.

Action Steps: How to Apply Reverse Problem Solving

1. Describe a problem that you have where there is a specific outcome. How might you solve it using the reverse problem solving model? Start from your end result and work your way backwards.
2. Buy and Read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
3. If you want to hone your problem solving skills, consider buying a copy of Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Creativity & Decision-Making Action Guide.
4. Join the Strategic Reading Challenge to consistently read more of the right books.

Problem Solving Books

Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People
The MacGyver Secret: Connect to Your Inner MacGyver & Solve Anything
A Technique for Producing Ideas

Related Resources
Inspirer, Reflector, Innovator or Influencer, Which One Are You?
What Type of Problem Solver Are You?
The Importance of Problem-Solving by Ken Watanabe

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