Step 1: Identify

Every improvement starts with a clear problem. In Step 1, you define a measurable problem statement that the whole team agrees on — grounding your effort in data, not assumptions. A well-written problem statement describes the current state (As-Is), the desired state, and the measurable gap between them. This is where the discipline starts: no jumping to solutions, no blaming, no guessing. Just observation, measurement, and clarity.

Key Questions This Step Answers

• What specific, measurable gap exists between where we are and where we need to be?
• Who is affected by this problem and how can we quantify the impact?
• Is this problem within our team's sphere of influence to solve?
• Do we have enough data to prove this is a real problem, not just a perception?

Guiding Questions

• What is the current state (As-Is)?
• What is the desired state?
• What is the gap between current and desired?
• How does this impact the organization?

Tools Used in This Step

Tips

• •Use the As-Is / Desired State / Gap framework to ensure your problem statement is specific and measurable
• •Avoid jumping to solutions — focus only on describing the problem
• •Quantify the gap with data whenever possible (%, $, time)
• •Interview stakeholders at multiple levels for a well-rounded view

Best Practices

• ✓Write the problem statement as a neutral observation, not a blame assignment
• ✓Include both leading indicators (predictive) and lagging indicators (historical)
• ✓Define the scope boundary — what is in and out of this improvement effort
• ✓Validate the problem with data before committing the team to solving it
• ✓Ensure the problem is within the team's sphere of influence to solve

Completion Criteria

Before moving to the next step, ensure these criteria are met:

• Problem statement is written with As-Is, Desired, and Gap
• Impact has been assessed
• Team members have been identified