The Iterative Eight Steps Are a Proven, Pragmatic Framework for Solving Tough Problems
Analytical thinking remains the most important core skill in the modern workforce. According to the World Economic Forum (2025, p. 35), 69 percent of employers consider it essential. These cognitive skills, including critical thinking and problem solving, are central not only to current performance, but also to future performance. By 2030, they are expected to gain even greater importance (World Economic Forum 2025, pp. 40–41).
However, there is a persistent disconnect between organizational needs and applicant readiness. As discussed in Blog Post No. 7, a large-scale member survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (2016) revealed that nearly half of HR professionals cite a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among job applicants. These deficits are the most frequently mentioned—and are seen as the greatest barrier to the transformation organizations must undergo in the next five years (World Economic Forum 2025, p. 49).
The Rising Demand for Universal Problem-Solving Approaches
In this environment, functional and industry expertise, as well as past experience, often become outdated quickly. What is now required is interdisciplinary collaboration supported by structured, adaptive methodologies that work across domains. Generic, repeatable problem-solving approaches that are not bound to any specific content area are becoming increasingly important. According to Conn & McLean (2018, p. 254), these frameworks must …
- clarify and structure problems logically;
- prioritize intelligently to save time and boost creativity;
- foster objectivity through robust team processes;
- enable rigorous analysis;
- synthesize findings into actionable insights; and
- tell a compelling story that drives implementation.
Introducing the Iterative Eight Steps for Solving Problems
Contrary to agile methods, classic project management and traditional problem-solving approaches are typically considered linear; projects are usually completed in distinct, sequential phases, such as initiation, planning, execution, control, completion, and implementation (e.g., Plank 2025). However, this does not apply to the Iterative Eight Steps described here (for an overview, see Exhibit). Each step in this iterative process reinforces the others. New insights gained in later steps are used to revisit and refine earlier work. This non-linear model avoids the rigidity of traditional methods and allows for agile learning, without necessarily following agile frameworks.
Avoiding the Cognitive Pitfalls of Problem Solving
As Garrette et al. (2018, ch. 1) argue, many professionals fall into one of two traps:
- Overreliance on “fast thinking” (see Kahneman 2014), rushing to premature conclusions based on experience
- Paralysis through overanalysis, collecting endless data but failing to decide or act
Both can be equally damaging. The Iterative Eight Steps offer a disciplined, structured alternative that helps professionals stay in the productive middle ground—thoughtful, but action-oriented.
What’s Next?
In future articles, we will present specific tools and techniques that enhance the performance of each of the Iterative Eight Steps. These methods will help professionals and organizations apply the framework effectively—avoiding common pitfalls and accelerating real-world impact.
References
Bryman A, Bell E (2015) Business Research Methods (Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom).
Conn C, McLean R (2018) Bulletproof Problem Solving (Wiley, Hoboken, NJ).
Garrette B, Phelps C, Sibony O (2018) Cracked it! How to Solve Big Problems and Sell Solutions Like Top Strategy Consultants (Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, Switzerland).
Kahneman D (2014) Schnelles Denken, langsames Denken [Thinking, Fast and Slow] (Pantheon, Munich, Germany).
Plank L (2025) Agile or traditional project management? Differences, advantages and disadvantages. Blog (February 26), PLANTA Projektmanagement-Systeme, Karlsruhe, Germany. Accessed June 12, 2025, https://www.planta.de/en/blog/agile-or-traditional-project-management-differences-advantages-and-disadvantages/.
Society for Human Resource Management (2016) The new talent landscape: Recruiting difficulty and skills shortages. Report, Society for Human Resource Management, Alexandria, VA.
World Economic Forum (2025) The future of jobs report 2025. Report, World Economic Forum, Cologny/Geneva, Switzerland).
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