Ask to help solve X not Y

#excalidraw

XYYou're hereDesired outcomeUnidentified solutions leading to XProposed solution that you think goes to X but leads to Y

Ask for help to achieve your desired outcome, not what you think will lead to your desired outcome. Your premise may be wrong, which will waste the efforts of all involved. (Source: The XY Problem via Odin Project)

Solving for Y when you want X may lead to wasted time.

Solving for X instead

Dana: My gel nails are coming off after only 3 days. I want them to last longer. Help please? 😣
Gemma: There could be a few reasons why. What are you doing? 🙂
Dana explains her steps.
Gemma: Ah, you've forgotten to cap the free edge! Easy fix.
Result: problem solved

[Prev:: (15C) Prefer to write modular code to simplify future projects]

Excalidraw Data

Text Elements

X

Y

You're here

Desired outcome

Unidentified solutions leading to X

Proposed solution that
you think goes to X but leads to Y