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We discussed how to get new ideas by morphing your problem statement. Here is a related exercise to help you find new ways of looking at a problem.

Take your concise problem statement and reduce it to one word. For example "How can I hire qualified employees?" might be shortened to "hiring." What other words can be used? Is there a better word that expresses what you are trying to convey? Now, make a list of all the words that pop into your head in association with this word. Aim for at least 20 different associations. Do you see any patterns? Explore the patterns and ideas that come from this exercise and then re-write your problem statement.