Ai Problem Solving, How to stop solving the wrong problem

AI Problem Solving: How to Stop Solving the Wrong Problem

In the rush to adopt artificial intelligence, many businesses fall into the same trap: they ask AI for solutions — without knowing what the real problem is. It’s not a technology issue. It’s a clarity issue.

The truth is, AI problem solving only works when it starts with the right question. That’s where the smartest leaders are turning to AI coaches — not to feed them answers, but to help them carve out the right questions, identify root causes, and guide decision-making with precision.

That’s the difference between businesses that spin their wheels and those that make strategic breakthroughs.

As Shane Parrish outlines in his book Clear Thinking, most poor decisions don’t come from lack of effort or intelligence — they come from failing to pause, clarify, and define what’s really going on. Parrish identifies the four "Defaults" that cloud judgment: ego, emotion, social pressure, and inertia. These are the exact mental traps that sabotage effective problem solving.

An AI tool can’t fix that on its own. But an AI coach can — by helping you slow down, think clearly, and use AI intentionally as a thinking partner, not a shortcut machine.

Let’s look at how to use AI for true problem solving — and why coaching makes all the difference.

STEP 1: Clarify the Real Problem

The most important question in AI problem solving isn’t “How do I fix this?” It’s “What exactly needs fixing?”

Here’s a powerful prompt Steven uses with clients when they’re stuck in the fog:

Prompt:
"Act as a strategic thinking partner. I’m going to describe a business challenge. Your job is to help me uncover what the real problem is by asking clarifying questions and offering alternative interpretations of the situation."

How to Use It:
Paste in a detailed but honest explanation of your challenge — even if you’re unsure what the core issue is. Let AI challenge your assumptions and help you reframe the issue. You’ll often find that the first thing you thought was the problem is actually a symptom.

What to Expect:

• AI will surface 2–3 deeper causes.

• You’ll walk away with a reframed problem that’s more accurate and actionable.

• This clarity prevents costly misdirection later in the project.

STEP 2: Explore Multiple Solution Paths

Once the problem is clear, resist the urge to jump at the first answer. A good coach — and a good prompt — will stretch your thinking.

Prompt:
"Now that we’ve clarified the problem, generate 5 distinct solution approaches. Include one low-cost option, one tech-driven option, one creative or unconventional option, one fast-to-implement option, and one long-term strategic option. For each, include pros, cons, and opportunity costs."

How to Use It:
Copy and paste your updated problem definition. Let AI surface a wide range of possible paths — this builds flexibility and resilience into your strategy.

What to Expect:

• Clear, diverse options instead of tunnel vision.

• A better grasp of what each solution requires in terms of time, cost, and change.

• You might uncover a hybrid idea you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

STEP 3: Evaluate Options Using Weighted Criteria

Now it’s time to get rational. AI problem solving shines when you give it structure to work with.

Prompt:
"Compare these 3 options [insert] using a weighted decision matrix. Use these criteria: potential impact (40%), cost/effort (30%), and uncertainty/risk (30%). Present a table with total scores and explain the top recommendation."

How to Use It:
List your 3 strongest options and set your weightings based on what matters most. You can adjust weights to fit your priorities — for example, risk-averse teams might put 50% weight on uncertainty.

What to Expect:

• A simple but powerful decision table.

• Logic that balances emotion and data.

• Clear visibility into the “why” behind the top choice.

STEP 4: Turn Your Decision Into a Mini Action Plan

Clarity without execution is a lost opportunity. AI can help you map out the next steps so that the solution actually happens.

Prompt:
"Based on the chosen option, create a 3-step action plan with deadlines, owners, and key checkpoints. Then recommend how I should measure success within 30 days."

How to Use It:
Feed in your selected strategy and desired timeline. AI will outline the tasks, assign roles (which you can tailor), and set smart metrics.

What to Expect:

• A clear, actionable roadmap.

• Accountability across the team.

• Early indicators to show if you’re on track.

STEP 5: Review and Reflect With AI as Your Feedback Loop

True AI problem solving includes reflection — that’s where long-term growth happens. Steven helps clients set up monthly AI check-ins that act like a journal and strategy recalibrator.

Prompt:
"It’s been 30 days since we implemented [strategy]. Help me reflect: Did we hit our goal? What surprised us? What assumptions proved false? Based on this, what should we adjust or stop doing?"

How to Use It:
Save this as a monthly check-in prompt. Run it with your notes and results. It forces a pause, a reflection, and often a smarter second round.

What to Expect:

• Clear documentation of what worked and what didn’t.

• Better decision hygiene.

• Compounding clarity over time.

Why AI Coaching Makes the Difference

All of these prompts are powerful. But most people won’t use them properly without guidance. They’ll skim. Rush. Assume. Default. That’s human.

That’s why working with an AI coach like Steven Edwards changes everything. He doesn’t just give you tools — he helps you slow down, define success, and build thinking systems that stick. He trains you and your team to become better questioners, clearer communicators, and more confident problem solvers.

Because the magic isn’t in the AI — it’s in the quality of your clarity before the prompt is even typed.

When you combine expert coaching with strategic AI prompts, you get the full picture: clear problems, creative solutions, thoughtful decisions, and continuous improvement.

That’s real AI problem solving — and it starts with asking better questions.

Steven Edwards - Your AI Coach for Executives and Trainers
Steven Edwards is a results-driven AI coach for executives, trainers, and business leaders, offering The AI Transformation Method™ as a key tool to guide companies from AI overwhelm to AI excellence. He uses a proprietary framework and his AI assistant, PAiM, to help clients uncover the real questions and achieve measurable results.

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