3 Timeless Problem-Solving Frameworks Anyone Can Use
(With or Without AI—But Especially Powerful with It)
We work with professionals from all walks of life—leaders, creators, analysts, and everyday problem-solvers. One thing we’ve seen again and again?
Great problem-solvers don’t wing it. They use frameworks.
In our AI as Your Second Brain workshops, we always say:
“The quality of your thinking determines the quality of your output.”
And nothing upgrades your thinking faster than the right mental model.
These aren’t just trendy acronyms—they’re proven, timeless tools used by some of the best thinkers in business and innovation. The bonus? Pair them with AI, and you unlock clarity and speed like never before.
Let us walk you through three of our go-to frameworks: where they come from, when to use them, and how to pair them with ChatGPT to get even more out of them.
1. 🧱 First Principles Thinking
Origin: While it’s often linked to Elon Musk, First Principles Thinking goes all the way back to Aristotle. The idea? Break a problem down to its most fundamental truths—and build up from there.
Best For:
Innovation, big-picture redesigns, reinventing processes
Without AI:
You start from scratch, asking: “What do I know for sure? What’s assumption? What’s tradition?” Then, rebuild the logic based on raw truths.
With AI Prompt Example:
“I want to rethink how I run my weekly meetings using First Principles Thinking. Help me identify core assumptions I’m making, what’s truly necessary, and what alternatives might exist.”
Why It Works:
AI acts as a logic partner. It helps you spot assumptions you’ve internalized, challenge them, and explore creative alternatives you might not have seen alone.
2. 🔍 The 5 Whys
Origin: This technique comes from Sakichi Toyoda, founder of Toyota, and is foundational in lean problem-solving. It’s all about digging deep.
Best For:
Troubleshooting, uncovering root causes, solving recurring issues
Without AI:
You ask “Why?” five times (or more) to trace a problem back to its source. Simple but surprisingly hard—especially if bias or defensiveness creeps in.
With AI Prompt Example:
“Act as a root cause analyst. Let’s use the 5 Whys to understand why customer engagement on my newsletter dropped. Here’s what I know so far…”
Why It Works:
AI won’t judge or jump to conclusions. It stays curious, keeps digging, and helps you stay focused until you find what really needs fixing.
3. 🧠 SCQA (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer)
Origin: Developed by Barbara Minto at McKinsey, SCQA is one of the clearest ways to frame an issue and guide someone toward a decision.
Best For:
Decision-making emails, stakeholder updates, pitch decks, reports
Without AI:
You manually outline your thinking—what’s happening (Situation), what’s the tension (Complication), what needs solving (Question), and what you propose (Answer).
With AI Prompt Example:
“Help me structure a SCQA message about shifting our product launch timeline. Here’s the context and what’s changed…”
Why It Works:
AI helps you get out of your own head and into someone else’s. It sharpens your message so the people you’re talking to don’t just read it—they get it.
When to Use What
- Use First Principles Thinking when you’re rebuilding, challenging norms, or need fresh perspective.
- Use the 5 Whys when something’s broken and you’re not sure why.
- Use SCQA when the real challenge is clarity and communication—especially when you need others to follow your logic.
When to Use What
- Use First Principles Thinking when you’re rebuilding, challenging norms, or need fresh perspective.
- Use the 5 Whys when something’s broken and you’re not sure why.
- Use SCQA when the real challenge is clarity and communication—especially when you need others to follow your logic.
