Business Problem Solving Strategy

In fast-paced work environments, problem-solving can quickly become inefficient—too many ideas, unclear direction, or endless back-and-forth. That’s where the 1-3-1 business problem solving strategy comes in. It’s a simple, structured method designed to empower teams to solve problems thoughtfully and efficiently while keeping leadership informed and engaged without being overwhelmed.

What is the 1-3-1 Strategy?

The 1-3-1 method is a framework for presenting problems and solutions. It stands for:

1 Problem: Clearly define the issue at hand.

3 Possible Solutions: Present three potential paths forward.

1 Recommended Solution: Choose and justify the best course of action.

It’s a favorite among managers and executives because it encourages critical thinking, ownership, and concise communication—especially helpful in scaling companies, fast-moving teams, or leadership coaching environments.

Why Use 1-3-1?

The beauty of 1-3-1 is in its balance. It gives team members the opportunity to think deeply about problems and demonstrate strategic thinking, while allowing decision-makers to quickly understand the context and weigh in effectively. It’s the antidote to vague complaints or “What should I do?” questions.

For example, instead of an employee saying:

“We’re having issues with customer response times. What should we do?”

They would instead present:

Problem: Our average response time has increased by 40% over the past two weeks.

Three Solutions:

Hire a temporary contractor for overflow work.

Reassign one team member from sales to support for the next two weeks.

Recommended: Reassign a team member from sales, as it's the quickest, most cost-effective short-term fix.

This approach shows initiative and allows leaders to make better decisions with minimal back-and-forth.

How to Implement 1-3-1

1. Set expectations:

Encourage your team to use this method for day-to-day challenges and strategic planning. Make it part of your team culture.

2. Lead by example:

When presenting your own issues to peers or leadership, model the 1-3-1 structure.

3. Keep it flexible:

Not all problems require three perfect solutions. Sometimes two will do—but the key is showing thought and initiative.

The 1-3-1 strategy doesn’t just streamline problem-solving—it builds better thinkers. It forces teams to pause, analyze, and take ownership of their challenges. Over time, it leads to a culture where problems are met not with panic or passivity, but with clarity and confidence.

So the next time a challenge arises, don’t just escalate it—solve it. Use 1-3-1 to think it through, and you’ll stand out as a problem-solver, not just a problem-spotter.