Elon's 5-Step Problem Solving

A systematic approach to problem-solving developed by Elon Musk that emphasizes questioning and removal before optimization.

Core Philosophy

• Smart people often make the mistake of optimizing something that shouldn't exist
• Most organizations add more than they remove, leading to bloat
• Need to override natural "hoarding" instinct in decision making
• Should expect to add back ~10% of removed items - if less, not removing enough

The 5 Steps in Order

1. Question Requirements

   • Challenge if task/process is needed at all
   • Examine why specific requirements exist
   • Make requirements as simple and true as possible
   • Do this before jumping to solutions

2. Delete/Remove

   • Try removing parts/processes entirely
   • Ask if system works without the element
   • Focus on elimination before optimization
   • Apply to physical parts, processes, and roles

3. Simplify

   • Streamline remaining elements
   • Focus on core functionality
   • Remove complexity where possible

4. Optimize

   • Improve performance of necessary elements
   • Only optimize what truly needs to exist

5. Automate

   • Automation should be the final step
   • Don't automate processes that could be eliminated
   • Example: Tesla's early mistake trying to automate factory too soon

Implementation Guidelines

• Must be done in order - common mistake is starting with automation
• Set target of adding back 10% of removed items
• Similar to goal-setting: hitting 70% of targets is ideal
• Requires overcoming natural resistance to removing things
• Process learned through painful experiences of doing it backward