How Many Root Causes

How many root causes does your problem have?

Much of our time as problem solvers is spent on finding the root cause. Where does our problem originate? What is the source of our trouble?

Could that be a bit of a myth? Is it possible that one root cause has created the situation we now see as a problem?

Probably not. It is more likely a combination of connections.

There are probably many sources of the problem. There are probably many contributing factors. Sure, there may be one origination point -- but by the time the problem has come to your attention there are connections in places you haven't even looked yet. Think of some of your gnarly problems:

- teams that have trouble communicating
- leaders who treat people unfairly
- customers who dominate your time unprofitably
- supplies that run out when you need them the most
- an inaccurate or impossible to measure inventory
- meetings that seem to last forever and go nowhere
- products that sell without making margin
- poor morale
- attendance issues
Problems with only one root cause only exist in our imagination.

Solving that one perceived cause is a great start -- but are you looking for other factors, too?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

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