The “Solution-First” Problem
What is it?
The Solution-First Problem occurs when someone asks for help with a specific solution they’ve already decided on, rather than explaining the actual goal they’re trying to achieve. This often leads to confusion, wasted effort, and solutions that don’t address the root issue.
- The user has a goal (X).
- The user assumes a specific approach (Y) is the way to achieve X, without fully understanding if Y is appropriate.
- The user asks for help implementing Y, without mentioning X.
- Helpers focus on Y, but Y may not even solve X properly.
- After much back-and-forth, it becomes clear that X was the real goal, and Y was a misguided attempt.
This problem wastes time for both the asker and the helper, as the conversation focuses on a potentially flawed solution instead of the actual need.
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Why does it happen?
People often get fixated on a solution they think will work, especially when they’re new to a domain. They might feel embarrassed to admit they don’t fully understand the problem, or they might assume their approach is the only way. This tunnel vision prevents them from stepping back and explaining the broader context.
What to do about it?
- State your goal first: Always explain what you’re trying to achieve (X) before diving into your attempted solution (Y).
- Provide context: Share the bigger picture, including what you’ve tried and why you think your solution might work.
- Be open to alternatives: If someone suggests a different approach, consider it — they might see something you’ve missed.
- Ask for clarification: If you don’t understand why your solution isn’t ideal, ask for an explanation to learn from the process.
By focusing on the goal rather than the solution, you’ll get more relevant help and avoid unnecessary detours.
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Examples
Example 1: The Database Query Dilemma
**Alice:** How do I write a SQL query to sort all records by the last word in a string column?
**Bob: You can use SUBSTRING_INDEX to extract the last word and sort by it. But why do you need the last word? Alice: I want to sort customer names by their last name. Bob:** Oh, if it’s names, you should split first and last names into separate columns or use a regex to extract the last name properly. Sorting by the last word could break if names have suffixes like “Jr.” or “III”.
Lesson: Alice’s focus on “last word” was a flawed solution to her actual goal of sorting by last names. Explaining the goal upfront would have saved time.
Example 2: The Automation Overkill
**Charlie: **How can I write a script to rename all my files by adding today’s date to the filename?
**Dana: You can use a bash loop with mv and date. But what’s the purpose of renaming them? Charlie: I want to organize my backups so I know when each file was created. Dana: **Renaming files with dates can get messy. Have you considered using a folder structure with date-based directories or a backup tool like rsync?
Lesson: Charlie assumed renaming files was the best way to organize backups, but explaining the goal opened up better solutions.
Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash
Final Thoughts
The Solution-First Problem is common, especially when you’re eager to solve something quickly. By sharing your goal and context upfront, you help others provide solutions that truly fit your needs.
Next time you’re stuck, take a step back, describe what you’re trying to achieve, and let the experts guide you to the right path.