Powerful Prompts for Problem-Solving

1

Root Cause Analysis

  • I’m facing a persistent issue in my [Describe context, e.g., business operations, software development, dailyroutine]. The problem is [Mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. Please perform a systematic 5 Whys root cause analysis, starting with the surface-level issue. For each layer of the analysis, please summarize the cause and its relationship to theprevious one. Conclude with a set of specific, actionable recommendations to solve the underlying root cause, not just the symptoms.
2

SWOT Analysis

  • I am considering a new initiative in my [specify field, e.g., startup, academic project, personal development]. Theinitiative is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. To assess its viability, please provide a comprehensive SWOT Analysis. For each of the four categories—Strengths, Weaknesses,Opportunities, and Threats—provide three specific, evidence-based points.Conclude with a strategic summary that explains how I can leverage mystrengths and opportunities to mitigate potential weaknesses and threats ina real-world context.
3

Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization

  • I am overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities in my [specify context, e.g., work, studies, personal life]. The tasks I need to manage are [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. Please use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize them. For each task, categorize it as Urgent/Important, Urgent/Not Important, Not Urgent/Important, or Not Urgent/Not Important. For each category, recommend a specific action such as “do now,” “schedule,” “delegate,” or “eliminate,” and explain your reasoning.
4

Design Thinking Empathy Phase

  • I’m trying to develop a solution for [describe user group and problem, e.g., elderly users struggling withmobile apps]. The core problem I’m trying to solve is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please help me with the Empathy phase of Design Thinking by outlining a set of open-endedquestions. These questions should help me understand the user group’sneeds, pain points, and daily experiences. Suggest methods for gatheringthese insights, like interviews or observation, and explain how thegathered information should inform the next stages of ideation andprototyping.
5

Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram

  • My team is experiencing recurring issues with [specify problem, e.g., project delays, low customer satisfaction]. The problem is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. Please apply the Fishbone Diagram technique by identifying and explaining the maincategories of potential causes: People, Process, Equipment, Environment,Materials, and Management. For each category, list at least two specific,plausible root causes relevant to my context. Provide the output as atext-based diagram and recommend targeted interventions for the mostcritical root causes.
6

SWOT Analysis

  • Scenario Planning
    I am making a long-term decision in a highly uncertain environment, suchas [e.g., launching a product, career change]. The decision I need to make isabout [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please use Scenario Planning to define three plausible future scenarios: optimistic,pessimistic, and realistic. Describe the key drivers for each. For eachscenario, outline the potential impacts on my goals and suggest proactivestrategies to prepare for or adapt to each outcome.
7

Cognitive Verifier Pattern

  • I’m dealing with a problem related to [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].When I ask you a question, you must first generate three additionalquestions. The answers to these questions should allow you to provide amore accurate and tailored response. Please present these questions tome and wait for my answers. Then, combine all the information to delivera final, comprehensive solution. Apply this pattern now to my query: [State your problem or goal in detail].
8

Flipped Interaction Pattern

  • I am facing a problem with [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].From now on, do not provide a direct answer. Instead, ask me a series oftargeted questions to clarify the details, context, and desired outcomesof my problem. I will respond to your questions. Only after I haveanswered all your questions should you provide a comprehensive, step-by-step solution tailored to my situation. My initial problem is [briefly state your initial problem].
9

Hypothesis-Driven Problem Solving

  • I’m facing a problem with [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. I have a hypothesis that the cause of this problem is [state your hypothesis about the cause of a problem]. To test this, pleasedesign a step-by-step validation plan. Define the data or evidenceneeded to confirm or refute the hypothesis and suggest methods forcollecting it. Outline how to interpret the results. If the hypothesis iscorrect, recommend the next steps. If not, guide me on how to generateand test alternative hypotheses.
10

SWOT Analysis

  • My organization is seeking growth opportunities, and the specificproblem is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please apply the Ansoff Matrix framework to analyze and describe specific strategies formy industry [specify industry]. Provide strategies for MarketPenetration, Market Development, Product Development, andDiversification with real examples. For each quadrant, assess the risks,required resources, and potential rewards. Finally, recommend whichstrategies are most viable given our current market conditions andcapabilities.
11

Kepner-Tregoe Decision Analysis

  • We need to make a high-stakes decision between several alternatives: [list options]. The context for this is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. Please use the Kepner-Tregoe method to evaluate each alternative. For each option, assess the “Musts” (non-negotiable criteria) and the “Wants” (desirable features). Assign weights and score each option. Tabulate the results, summarize the rationale for the top recommendation, and suggest how to mitigate risks.
12

Minto Pyramid Principle for Structured Communication

  • I need to prepare a clear and persuasive case for [describe your proposal or decision]. The context is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please use the Minto Pyramid Principle. Start with the main recommendation orconclusion. Structure supporting arguments in a logical, top-downmanner. For each argument, provide evidence and data. End with a concise summary that reinforces the main point and anticipatespotential objections.
13

Delphi Method for Consensus Building

  • My team is divided on the issue of [state the issue]. The background for this is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please simulate the Delphi Method process. First, summarize the range of opinions and keypoints of disagreement. Propose a series of anonymous, iterativequestions designed to clarify positions and surface underlying concerns.Outline how to facilitate each round, synthesize feedback, and convergeon a mutually acceptable solution.
14

First Principles Thinking

  • I’m tackling a complex and difficult problem in [specify domain]. The problem is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please use First Principles Thinking to break down the problem into its mostfundamental components, questioning all assumptions. Reconstruct a potential solution from the ground up, explaining each step and how itaddresses a core aspect of the problem. Compare this new solution toconventional approaches, highlighting its advantages and challenges.
15

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting for Problem Resolution

  • I’m dealing with a problem related to [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please define a S.M.A.R.T. goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)to address my problem. For each of the five elements, explain how itapplies to my context and why it is important. Outline a step-by-step action plan to achieve this goal, including milestones, metrics for success,and contingency plans for potential obstacles.
16

After-Action Review (AAR) for Continuous Improvement

  • We recently completed [describe a project, initiative, or event]. The outcome was not asexpected, and the context is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please conduct an After-Action Review. Summarize what was supposed to happen versuswhat actually happened, and explain the differences. Identify strengthsto sustain and weaknesses to address. Propose specific, actionablelessons for improving future performance in similar situations.
17

Pre-Mortem Analysis for Risk Mitigation

  • We are about to launch [describe a new project, product, or strategy]. The background is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context]. Please perform a Pre-Mortem Analysis. Imagine it’s six months from now, and the initiative has failed spectacularly. List the most likely reasons for this failure, considering both internal and external factors. For each reason, recommend preventive measures or contingency plans to reduce the risk of failure.
18

Critical Chain Project Management

  • Our project timelines are consistently slipping, and the context is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please apply Critical Chain Project Management principles. Analyze our current tasksequence and identify the critical path. Suggest how to buffer for uncertainties. Propose adjustments to task dependencies, resourceallocation, and monitoring processes to improve on-time deliverywithout overloading the team.
19

User Journey Mapping for Service Improvement

  • Customers are dissatisfied with [specify aspect of service or product]. The background for this is [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please map out a detailed User Journey. Highlight each touchpoint, the user’s goals, pain points,and emotional states. Identify “moments of truth” where the experiencecan be improved. Recommend specific interventions at each stage toenhance satisfaction and loyalty.
20

SWOT Analysis

  • I am struggling with a personal or professional challenge, which is [describe a personal or professional challenge]. The background for thisis [mention the problem you’re facing in detail with background context].Please guide me through a Reflective Practice exercise. Help me describe the situation objectively,analyze my feelings and assumptions, and evaluate what I learned.Provide structured questions for each phase to deepen myunderstanding and help me plan how to apply these insights in the future.