2. Be skeptical about the causal implicit in diagnostic problem definitions.
I said above that “conditions that cause problem are also problems.” However, the causes must be real, not merely assumed. You have to evaluate the causal chain that goes from the situation itself to the bad things it is alleged to cause, and to convince yourself that the causal chain is real. For instance, for some people, “cocaine use” is not a problem in itself, but it might be a problem if it leads to crime, poor health, family disintegration, and so on.
Iterate
Problem definition is a crucial step. But because It is hard to get right, you
might take that same step again and again.