Having discussed the importance of data collection and finding a pattern for solving chronic problems in a professional environment, the next step is to fix the root cause by removing all the noises.
What is meant by root cause?
Among many causes that we assume contribute to the problem, only a few causes contribute to the problem significantly. That causes are called the root causes.
In quality management, we have been taught different tools and techniques to arrive at the root cause of the problem, like a tree diagram, why-why analysis, and cause-effect analysis. Those techniques, when we apply, eventually get into the likely root causes of the problem. However, it is a time-consuming process.
One thing i learned by working with many organizations on solving business or people-related problems is that ultimately we end up with either PEOPLE or PROCESS as the root cause for any problems.
Either people are unaware of the approach or do not adhere to the rules, or we have not yet defined the process. There is no other root cause than people or process,
We may argue that money, materials, and equipment may be contributing to the root cause. When we go deep beyond those causes, we only end up with either people or processes.
That is what i realized in many organizational problems.
For example, for the poor business results, the business head and their team used to point out lack of equipment capacity, lack of conducive business environment, lack of funds, etc., as the root causes of the problem.
When we work with them to improve the business performance, eventually, we all come to the realization that either we do not have business processes for solving capacity issues, handling the external environment and fund flow, or the people are not engaged or not aware of the business processes. That is the root cause, and when we fix it, we see a business improvement.
My personal experience and firm belief is that in all the technical or managerial or business problems, the root cause lies in either process or in people.
How this insight will help you for solving the problem?
As a manager or leader, you need not reinvent too much on finding the root cause for any chronic problem, just use the filter of people and process. You can quickly get into the root cause of the problem. This will save your time and effort.
Always look at the problem by fixing either the process or people, by that way, you are very close to the solution to the problem.
Have a great week ahead.What is meant by root cause?
Among many causes that we assume contribute to the problem, only a few causes contribute to the problem significantly. That causes are called the root causes.
In quality management, we have been taught different tools and techniques to arrive at the root cause of the problem, like a tree diagram, why-why analysis, and cause-effect analysis. Those techniques, when we apply, eventually get into the likely root causes of the problem. However, it is a time-consuming process.
One thing i learned by working with many organizations on solving business or people-related problems is that ultimately we end up with either PEOPLE or PROCESS as the root cause for any problems.
Either people are unaware of the approach or do not adhere to the rules, or we have not yet defined the process. There is no other root cause than people or process,
We may argue that money, materials, and equipment may be contributing to the root cause. When we go deep beyond those causes, we only end up with either people or processes.
That is what i realized in many organizational problems.
For example, for the poor business results, the business head and their team used to point out lack of equipment capacity, lack of conducive business environment, lack of funds, etc., as the root causes of the problem.
When we work with them to improve the business performance, eventually, we all come to the realization that either we do not have business processes for solving capacity issues, handling the external environment and fund flow, or the people are not engaged or not aware of the business processes. That is the root cause, and when we fix it, we see a business improvement.
My personal experience and firm belief is that in all the technical or managerial or business problems, the root cause lies in either process or in people.
How this insight will help you for solving the problem?
As a manager or leader, you need not reinvent too much on finding the root cause for any chronic problem, just use the filter of people and process. You can quickly get into the root cause of the problem. This will save your time and effort.
Always look at the problem by fixing either the process or people, by that way, you are very close to the solution to the problem.
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