How to think better and make good choices?
CCARVIQAA Thinking Method is thinking technique that draws inspiration from the Socratic Method. Like the Socratic Method, it encourages individuals and organizations to ask questions, explore underlying concepts and assumptions, and consider multiple perspectives in order to gain a deeper understanding of a challenge.
Through this structured approach, the C.C.A.R.V.I.Q.A.A Thinking Method or Process helps individuals and organizations to identify and address complex challenges in a thorough and informed manner. Whether in a business or personal context, this technique is a valuable tool for improving critical thinking, problem solving and decision making.
9 Steps in C.C.A.R.V.I.Q.A.A Thinking Method:
Challenge Clarification:
Definition: The process of understanding and defining the problem or challenge at hand.a. What is the Challenge or Problem? What kind of details can you give?
b. How did this challenge come about?
c. What are the desired outcomes or goals associated with resolving this challenge?
d. Who is affected by this challenge?
e. What has been done so far to address this challenge?
f. Are there any constraints or limitations to consider when addressing this challenge?
Example 1 (business): A company wants to increase customer satisfaction but is not sure how. The challenge clarification step would involve asking questions to understand the current level of customer satisfaction, what factors may be affecting it, and what the company's goals and constraints are in terms of improving satisfaction.
Example 2 (personal): A person wants to improve their physical health but is not sure where to start. The challenge clarification step would involve asking questions to understand the current state of their physical health, what their goals are for improvement, and what constraints or limitations they may face.
Concepts Clarifying:
Definition: The process of gaining a deeper understanding of the key concepts related to the challenge. Overview: This step involves defining and explaining any key concepts related to the challenge. This can help to ensure that everyone involved in addressing the challenge has a common understanding of the terms and ideas being discussed.a. Can you provide a definition or explanation of any key concepts related to this challenge?
b. How do these concepts relate to the challenge?
c. Are there any common misconceptions or misunderstandings about these concepts?
d. Can you provide any examples or analogies that help to clarify these concepts?
e. How have these concepts been applied in similar situations or challenges?
f. Are there any new or emerging ideas or developments related to these concepts?
Example 1 (business): A company wants to implement a new marketing strategy. The concepts clarification step would involve defining key terms and ideas related to marketing, such as target audience, brand identity, and marketing channels.
Example 2 (personal): A person wants to better understand their financial situation. The concepts clarification step would involve defining key terms and ideas related to personal finance, such as budgeting, saving, and investing.
Assumptions Probing:
Definition: The process of examining and questioning the assumptions made about the challenge. Overview: Assumptions are beliefs or premises that are taken for granted. In the context of addressing a challenge, it is important to examine and question any assumptions that have been made as they can have a significant impact on the approach and outcome.a. What assumptions have been made about the challenge?
b. How were these assumptions formed?
c. Are there any alternative perspectives or assumptions that should be considered?
d. How do these assumptions affect the proposed solution or approach to the challenge?
e. Are there any potential risks or unintended consequences associated with these assumptions?
f. Can these assumptions be tested or validated?
Example 1 (business): A company assumes that their target audience only uses social media to interact with brands. The assumptions probing step would involve asking questions to verify this assumption and considering alternative perspectives, such as whether the target audience also uses other channels like email or phone.
Example 2 (personal): A person assumes that they need to drastically reduce their spending in order to save money. The assumptions probing step would involve questioning this assumption and considering alternative perspectives, such as whether there are other ways to increase income or whether it is realistic to reduce spending to the extent desired.
Reasoning Probing: rationale, reasons, evidence.
Definition: The process of examining and questioning the reasoning behind the challenge and proposed solutions.a. What reasoning was used to arrive at the current understanding of the challenge?
b. What evidence supports this reasoning?
c. Is there any conflicting evidence or information that should be considered?
d. What alternative reasoning or perspectives could be used to approach the challenge?
e. How does the reasoning influence the proposed solution or approach to the challenge?
f. Can the reasoning be tested or validated?
Example 1 (business): A company decides to invest in a new product based on market research that suggests high demand. The reasoning probing step would involve questioning the logic behind the decision and examining the evidence supporting the market research, such as the methodology and sample size.
Example 2 (personal): A person believes that they need to work longer hours in order to be successful. The reasoning probing step would involve examining the evidence supporting this belief and considering alternative perspectives, such as the impact of work-life balance on well-being and productivity.
Viewpoints and perspectives exploration:
Definition: The process of considering and exploring different viewpoints and perspectives on the challenge.a. What are the different viewpoints and perspectives on the challenge?
b. How do these viewpoints and perspectives influence the understanding of the challenge?
c. Are there any implicit or unconscious biases that may affect the viewpoints and perspectives?
d. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of each viewpoint and perspective?
e. How can different viewpoints and perspectives be integrated or balanced in approaching the challenge?
f. Are there any alternative or unconventional viewpoints or perspectives that should be considered?
Example 1 (business): A company is considering launching a new product in a new market. The viewpoints and perspectives exploration step would involve considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, such as customers, competitors, and suppliers, in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impact and success of the new product.
Example 2 (personal): A person is trying to decide on a career path. The viewpoints and perspectives exploration step would involve considering the perspectives of friends, family, and career counselors, as well as alternative career paths, in order to make an informed decision.
Implications and consequences probing:
Definition: The process of examining and questioning the potential implications and consequences of a challenge or proposed solution.a. What are the potential implications and consequences of the challenge?
b. What are the potential implications and consequences of the proposed solution or approach?
c. How do these implications and consequences impact different stakeholders and factors?
d. Are there any unintended consequences that should be considered?
e. How can the implications and consequences be mitigated or managed?
f. How will the implications and consequences be evaluated and monitored?
Example 1 (business): A company is considering outsourcing its manufacturing operations. The implications and consequences probing step would involve examining the potential impact on the company's employees, suppliers, and customers, as well as the financial and operational implications.
Example 2 (personal): A person is considering taking a loan to start a business. The implications and consequences probing step would involve examining the potential impact on the person's credit score, financial stability, and personal relationships, as well as the likelihood of success and repayments.
Questioning the question or the challenge itself:
Definition: The process of critically examining and re-framing the challenge or the underlying assumptions, premises, and objectives.a. Why is the challenge relevant or important?
b. What are the underlying assumptions, premises, and objectives of the challenge?
c. How has the challenge been framed and defined?
d. Are there alternative or broader ways of framing and defining the challenge?
e. What is the ultimate goal or objective of addressing the challenge?
f. Are there more fundamental or root causes that should be addressed?
Example 1 (business): A company is facing declining sales. The questioning the question or the challenge step would involve examining the underlying assumptions and objectives of the company, such as its target market, product offerings, and marketing strategies, in order to determine if the declining sales are a symptom of a broader challenge.
Example 2 (personal): A person is struggling with stress. The questioning the question or the challenge step would involve examining the underlying causes and objectives of the stress, such as the person's workload, relationships, and personal goals, in order to determine if the stress is a symptom of a broader challenge.
Another aspect(a) or factors to consider:
Definition: The process of identifying and exploring additional factors, variables, and perspectives that may impact or influence the challenge or proposed solution.a. What other factors or variables should be considered?
b. What additional perspectives or viewpoints should be taken into account?
c. How do these additional factors or perspectives impact the challenge or proposed solution?
d. Are there any blind spots or biases that should be addressed?
e. What new insights or information can be gained from considering these additional factors or perspectives?
f. How will these additional factors or perspectives be integrated into the approach to the challenge?
Example 1 (business): A company is considering expanding into a new market. The another aspect to consider step would involve examining additional factors such as cultural differences, local regulations, and competitors, in order to determine the best approach to entering the new market.
Example 2 (personal): A person is considering a career change. The another aspect to consider step would involve examining additional factors such as personal interests, skills, and values, in order to determine the best career path for the person.
Again? Another round:
Definition: The process of repeating and refining the steps of challenge clarification, concepts clarifying, assumptions probing, reasoning probing, viewpoints and perspectives exploration, implications and consequences probing, questioning the question or the challenge itself, and another aspect to consider, in order to continue to deepen understanding and identify the best approach to the challenge.a. What new information or insights have been gained through the previous steps?
b. How can the previous steps be refined or improved?
c. What additional information or insights are needed to address the challenge effectively?
d. What is the next step or action that should be taken to address the challenge?
e. How will the approach to the challenge be evaluated and refined over time?
f. How will the approach to the challenge be adapted if new information or insights emerge?
Example 1 (business): A company has gone through several rounds of challenge clarification and is continuing to refine its approach to addressing a decline in sales. The again? another round step would involve continuing to refine the approach based on new information and insights gained from previous rounds.
Example 2 (personal): A person has gone through several rounds of challenge clarification and is continuing to refine their approach to reducing stress. The again? another round step would involve continuing to refine the approach based on new information and insights gained from previous rounds.
Related methods that are similar to C.A.R.V.I.Q.A Thinking Method:
The Socratic Method: This is a questioning technique that was developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. It involves asking questions to clarify and explore underlying assumptions, concepts, and beliefs.
Root Cause Analysis: This is a problem-solving method that aims to identify the underlying causes of a problem in order to address it effectively. It involves breaking down the problem into smaller components and asking questions to understand each component.
SWOT Analysis: This is a strategic planning technique that involves analyzing a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to identify areas for improvement and growth.
Critical Path Analysis: This is a project management method that involves mapping out the steps required to complete a project, identifying the critical steps, and determining the best approach to address any potential roadblocks.
