How can you identify the root cause of a problem when making decisions?

1 Define the problem

The first step is to define the problem clearly and accurately. You need to describe what the problem is, when and where it occurs, how often and how severe it is, and who is affected by it. You can use data, evidence, and feedback from your team and stakeholders to support your problem statement. A well-defined problem will help you focus on the relevant aspects and avoid assumptions or biases.

2 Ask why repeatedly

The second step is to ask why the problem exists and why it matters. You can use the 5 Whys technique, which involves asking why five times or until you reach the root cause. For each why question, you need to provide a logical and factual answer based on your problem definition. The 5 Whys technique will help you dig deeper into the problem and uncover the hidden causes that may not be obvious at first glance.

3 Validate the root cause

The third step is to validate the root cause that you have identified. You need to check if the root cause is consistent with the problem definition, if it explains all the symptoms and effects of the problem, and if it can be verified by data, evidence, or testing. You also need to consider if there are any other potential root causes that you may have overlooked or dismissed. Validating the root cause will help you avoid jumping to conclusions or making false assumptions.

4 Decide on a solution

The fourth and final step is to decide on a solution that will address the root cause and prevent the problem from recurring. You need to evaluate the possible solutions based on their feasibility, effectiveness, costs, benefits, and risks. You also need to involve your team and stakeholders in the decision-making process and communicate the rationale and expectations clearly. Deciding on a solution will help you implement the best action plan and monitor the results.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?