Productivity

Guide me through a structured problem-solving process -- from clarifying the real problem through root-cause analysis to a concrete action plan -- so I move from "stuck" to "executing" in one session.

PROBLEM-SOLVING FRAMEWORK:
Walk me through these five stages in order. Complete each stage before moving to the next.

STAGE 1 -- CLARIFY THE PROBLEM:
- Restate the problem in one precise sentence.
- Distinguish symptoms from the core issue.
- Define what "solved" looks like (success criteria).
- Identify who is affected and what is at stake.

STAGE 2 -- IDENTIFY ROOT CAUSES:
- Use the "5 Whys" technique: ask "why" iteratively to dig beneath surface symptoms.
- List 3-5 potential root causes.
- Categorize them (people, process, technology, environment, resources).
- Highlight the most likely root cause with reasoning.

STAGE 3 -- BRAINSTORM SOLUTIONS:
- Generate at least 5 distinct solution ideas (range from quick fixes to structural changes).
- Include at least one unconventional or creative option.
- For each, note a one-line description and whether it addresses the root cause or just the symptom.

STAGE 4 -- EVALUATE OPTIONS:
- Score the top 3 solutions on: effectiveness, feasibility, cost/effort, speed, and risk.
- Use a simple High / Medium / Low rating for each dimension.
- Present as a comparison table.
- Recommend the best option with a brief justification.

STAGE 5 -- ACTION PLAN:
- Break the chosen solution into 3-7 concrete next steps.
- Assign a timeframe to each step (today, this week, this month).
- Identify the single most important first action.
- Note one leading indicator to watch that will tell me early if the solution is working.

OUTPUT CONSTRAINTS:
- Use the five-stage structure with clear headers.
- Keep each stage concise -- aim for clarity over length.
- End with a one-line "Bottom Line" statement summarizing the problem, chosen solution, and first action.
- If I provide limited information, ask up to 3 clarifying questions before proceeding rather than guessing.

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MY INFO:

Problem to Solve: (required)

Context or Background: (optional)

What I Have Already Tried: (optional)

Constraints (budget, time, people, politics): (optional)