According to Time (read more here) you need to consider the following, when solving the right problems:
Why does the problem need solving?
Establish reasoning first.
Is there a clear need to solve this problem?
This will ensure time is not wasted.
What is the context of solving the problem?
From approaches tried to what others have done to constraints on the solution.
What is the problem statement?
Take answers to all and layout the problem (including scope, requirements of a solution and who will be involved).
But (from a big picture), always go straight to the root cause of a problem.