Toolkit P4- Frame the challenge

Defining the challenge and purpose
for career path development

Programa de formación

40–60 minutes

A large sheet of paper (minimum size A3) or a whiteboard
Pens and markers of different colours
Tape and adhesive putty to attach the paper to a wall
Optional: sticky notes

What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?

This tool frames the real career path challenge and the purpose for your career opportunity identification. It brings focus, supports decision‑making, and enables you to take concrete steps towards your career goals. This makes it easier to align your skills, capacities, and interests with both your personal career goals and the surrounding environment.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

Take a large sheet of paper (A3 size), a Word or PowerPoint file, or a whiteboard, and add the following headings: ‘The challenge’, ‘Why’, ‘Criteria and limitations’, ‘How could I...’, and ‘Solutions’.

Write down the challenge you want to solve in one short sentence. This is the reason for your process. For example: "I can't find a job that matches my skills and financial needs.". Add this under the heading ‘The challenge’.

Deepen your understanding of the situation. Analyse the challenge by asking the questions what, where, and when questions to identify its causes and your current situation in relation to it. Add the subheadings 'What', 'Where' and 'When' below the heading 'Why', and start listing under each subheading.

WHAT causes the challenge? Describe the main cause, such as changes in the industry or relocation to another town.
WHERE does the challenge take place? In which labour-market or area of experience does the challenge occur?
WHEN does the challenge take place? For example, does it occur at the beginning, middle or end of your career? What is your current situation? Do you urgently need a job, or can you wait a while (for example, when changing jobs)? How long have you been unemployed?

Identify what you want (criteria) and what limits you (constraints) relating to your challenge. Write these under the heading ‘Criteria and limitations’.

Criteria: For example, remote working, salary level, or development opportunities.
Constraints: For example, a lack of knowledge of a specific programming language and a limited time to learn it, or a lack of contacts in the new industry.

You have now framed your challenge. Continue generating ideas and exploring the options.

Generate ideas for solutions asking, for example, How could I...?' and 'How could I leverage my ten years of sales experience to land my first job as a project manager at a technology company while taking into account my financial needs?'. Generate as many ideas as possible, quickly and without judgement. You can take short breaks to refresh your mind, and then continue. Write your ‘How could I...’ questions under the relevant heading, then list the ideas beneath them. Take short breaks if needed, then continue with fresh energy.

Use all the information and ideas generated in this tool to ideate solutions to your challenge. Try to come up with at least five possible solutions within five minutes. These solutions could include taking a programming course to fill the skills gap or relocating to a town where there are jobs available. If you cannot come up with five solutions, go back to step four and broaden your “How could I…?” question.