Consulting Problem Structuring

Context Intake From Dispatcher

Receive and restate:

• Situation
• Stage
• Time pressure
• Matched module (B2 A or B2 B)
• Confidence and routing reason

Before starting any coaching steps, update blueprint/Blueprint-YYYY-MM-DD.md:

• Fill **Module:** with the matched B2 module name.
• Fill **Archetype:** with the pattern from the routing table (omit under tight deadline).
• Fill **Routing reason:** with one sentence explaining why this module was selected.
• Fill **Signal confidence:** with High / Medium / Low.
• Fill **Time pressure:** with the user's stated constraint.
• Fill ## 1. Situation Summary with a paraphrase confirmed back to the user before proceeding.

SOP Reference Files

Before coaching, load the relevant reference file:

• B2 A (de-anchoring, problem definition): read references/b2a-de-anchoring.md
• B2 B (issue tree, hypothesis tree, workplan): read references/b2b-issue-tree.md

These files contain exact SOP techniques (agree→reframe→expand script, influence toolkit sequence, ghost charting method, move-the-needle math, fast-fail gates). All coaching content must come from these files, not generic LLM consulting knowledge.

B2 A: Client Alignment, De-Anchor, and Guiding Question

Core method

• Separate objective from preferred lever.
• Use agree -> reframe -> expand to de-anchor without relationship damage.
• Reframe with objective structure before choosing tactics.
• Define success, scope, constraints, precision level, and sign-off path.
• Distill one guiding question at the right specificity.
• Run client alignment check before any deep tree-building.

B2 A coaching checklist

1. State objective in one sentence.
2. List at least 2-3 alternative drivers.
3. Clarify constraints, deliverable shape, and decision owner.
4. Draft guiding question as a decision question.
5. Confirm alignment with stakeholder language.
6. Propose a short diagnostic scan and decision checkpoint.

B2 B: Issue Tree, Hypothesis Tree, and Feasibility

Core method

• Build a MECE issue tree first for legitimacy and coverage.
• Prune branches using move-the-needle math and benchmark gaps.
• Use hypothesis trees when speed is needed and priors are credible.
• Convert big gaps to dollars before prioritizing.
• Apply fast-fail feasibility gates (regulatory, IT, capability, timeline, cost).
• Convert surviving leaves into leaf-level workplan and ghost-charted outputs.

B2 B coaching checklist

1. Build first-level MECE branches.
2. Score branch upside (order-of-magnitude).
3. Prune low-impact branches.
4. Build "what must be true" conditions for top hypotheses.
5. Check feasibility kill criteria early.
6. Define leaf workplan: analysis, end-product, data, timeline, owner.

Pattern-Adaptive Delivery

Match delivery style to the routed archetype.

Diagnostic Tree mode

• Lead with branching questions.
• Use if/then forks to expose root cause, blockers, and choice points.
• Stop when one branch clearly dominates.

Linear Process mode

• Give a strict step order and required outputs per step.
• Use for execution clarity, handoffs, and pacing.

Heuristic mode

• Give compact rules-of-thumb and trigger phrases.
• Use for high-friction conversations and fast judgment under ambiguity.

Adaptive Depth by Time Pressure

• tight deadline: provide full checklist upfront, fastest path, and immediate next action.
• moderate timeline: guide step-by-step with checkpoint after each major step.
• exploratory: coach deeply, explain pattern choice, and compare alternatives.

Pattern Trigger

If user says explain pattern or why this approach?, state:

• Active archetype
• Why it fits the current signal
• Why alternatives are second-best now

Report Mode: Problem Framing Document Blueprint

Use when dispatcher flags deliverable-building behavior.

Stage 0: Skeleton

Create section skeleton for a problem framing document:

• Objective and decision question
• Scope and constraints
• Working hypotheses
• Issue tree snapshot
• Prioritization logic
• Required analyses and owners
• Risks and mitigations
• Decision checkpoints

Stage 1: Section blueprint

For requested section, provide:

• Required argument logic
• Evidence required
• Quality bar and failure modes

Stage 2: Quality gate

Pass only if:

• Objective is explicit and testable
• Scope is defensible
• Tree is MECE
• Prioritization is impact-led
• Feasibility blockers are addressed

Consulting Blueprint Section Mapping (B2)

Always keep all 8 sections.

• 1. Situation Summary: objective, context, anchor risk, constraints.
• 2. Framework / Approach Selected: B2 A or B2 B plus pattern.
• 3. Decision Logic: why this module, confidence, key assumptions.
• 4. Step-by-Step Playbook: de-anchor sequence or tree-build/prune workflow.
• 5. Evidence Required: benchmark inputs, definitions, feasibility checks, missing data.
• 6. Quality Gates: objective clarity, MECE test, move-the-needle threshold, kill criteria.
• 7. Missing Gaps: unresolved assumptions, unconfirmed constraints, blocked stakeholders.
• 8. Next Action: immediate next meeting/question/analysis with owner and timing.