--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One of my rules in consulting is simple…" description: "\"“One of my rules in consulting is simple: never solve the problem I am asked to solve. Why such a counter-intuitive rule? Because, invariably, the prob..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/560/don-norman-47786_problem-solving_one-of-my-rules-in-consulting-is-simple_1142878.jpg" --- # One of my rules in consulting is simple: never solve the… ![“One of my rules in consulting is simple: never solve the problem I am asked to solve. Why such a counter-intuitive rule? Because, invariably, the problem I am asked to solve is not the real, fundamental, root problem.” quote by Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/560/don-norman-47786_problem-solving_one-of-my-rules-in-consulting-is-simple_1142878.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/560/don-norman-47786_problem-solving_one-of-my-rules-in-consulting-is-simple_1142878.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/560/don-norman-47786_problem-solving_one-of-my-rules-in-consulting-is-simple_1142878.jpg) > ““One of my rules in consulting is simple: never solve the problem I am asked to solve. Why such a counter-intuitive rule? Because, invariably, the problem I am asked to solve is not the real, fundamental, root problem.”” [Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-norman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Consultants should address underlying causes rather than the surface problem, because the apparent issue often masks deeper systemic flaws. **In simple terms:** Focus on root causes, not symptoms. Key Takeaway Probe deeper before offering solutions. Themes problem solving consulting critical thinking Mood analytical thoughtful Type professional strategic When to use this quote - business meetings - product design - process improvement - client interviews Key Concepts systems thinking root‑cause analysis Questions to Reflect On - What hidden factors might be driving the stated problem? - How can you gently reveal deeper issues? A Different Perspective Finding the real problem can be time‑consuming and may challenge client expectations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Asked Solve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asked-solve-3194308/) [Problem Asked](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem-asked-3194306/) [Problem solving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem-solving/) [Root Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/root-problem-2609815/) [Rules Consulting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rules-consulting-3194307/) [Solve Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/solve-problem/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [What is your problem?” I asked, scooping the freezing mess out of my cleavage. “We got unfinished business,” he reminded me. “My name’s not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-chance/what-is-your-problem-i-asked-scooping-the-freezing-mess-out-of-my/) [Karen Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-chance/) > [“Bark, bark," Jim said behind me. 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It's a simple equation.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toshbosh/solve-the-problem-find-the-solution-it-s-a-simple-equation/) [ToshBosh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toshbosh/) > [When you first start off trying to solve a problem, the first solutions you come up with are very complex, and most people stop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-jobs/when-you-first-start-off-trying-to-solve-a-problem-the-first/) [Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/) ## More by Don Norman > [“A stupid question asks about things so fundamental that everyone assumes the answer is obvious.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-norman/a-stupid-question-asks-about-things-so-fundamental-that-everyone/) [Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-norman/) > [“In hindsight, events seem logical”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-norman/in-hindsight-events-seem-logical/) [Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-norman/) > [“Doing two tasks at once takes longer than the sum of the times it would take to do each alone.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-norman/doing-two-tasks-at-once-takes-longer-than-the-sum-of-the-times-it/) [Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-norman/) > [“Don't follow blindly; focus on strengths, not weaknesses”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-norman/don-t-follow-blindly-focus-on-strengths-not-weaknesses/) [Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-norman/) > [“All the arbitrary things we need to remember add up to unwitting tyranny”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-norman/all-the-arbitrary-things-we-need-to-remember-add-up-to-unwitting/) [Don Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-norman/) > [“The vicious cycle starts: if you fail at something, you think it is your fault. 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Instead be a Solution Seeker, one who looks for opportunities in everything. Remember, where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/dont-focus-on-problems-they-are-plentiful-and-never-ending-instead-be/) [DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/) > [Before it can be solved, a problem must be clearly defined.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-feather/before-it-can-be-solved-a-problem-must-be-clearly-defined/) [William Feather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-feather/) > [Music is a lot more like solving an intricate puzzle with moments of pure, random creative bliss... whereas painting is much more purely random…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-boyd/music-is-a-lot-more-like-solving-an-intricate-puzzle-with-moments-of/) [Brandon Boyd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-boyd/) > [“Consultants use four tools to solve clients’ biggest problems. 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