Many of you know the CIRCLES from interview prep or Decode and Conquer.
But here’s the truth: most people know what it is and how to use it — very few know why it works.
That’s why I built this quick cheat sheet: to help you internalize not just the steps, but the purpose behind them. 🚀
Breaking Down the Steps
C = Clarify the Goal and Boundaries 🧭 → Prevents solving the wrong problem.
I = Identify Customers + Stakeholders 👥 → Ensures you don’t miss critical stakeholders.
R = Report Needs 📋→ Avoids generic pain points.
C = Cut Through Prioritization ✂️ → Stops you from trying to solve everything.
L = List Solutions 💡 → Prevents obvious or boring answers.
E = Evaluate Options ⚖️ → Choose wisely by weighing what matters.
S = Summarize Your Recommendation 🎯 → Avoids a rambling conclusion.