Transcription Learning to solve problems at the root
Beyond the Symptoms. The Search for the Root Cause
To build authentic and lasting resilience, we cannot simply put out fires and fix surface-level problems as they arise.
If a problem recurs in our lives or work, it is a sure sign that we are only treating the symptoms, while the root cause remains intact.
True problem-solving, the kind that produces permanent change, requires the ability to dig beneath the surface to find and address the source of the problem.
The "5 Whys." A Deep Diagnostic Tool
An incredibly simple yet effective technique for this deep diagnosis is the "5 Whys" method, originating from the Toyota Production System.
Its objective is to peel back the layers of a problem, like an onion, to get to its core.
The process is as follows:
- Clearly Define the Surface Problem: Start with a clear and objective description of the problem you are observing.
- Example: "I did not submit the report on time."
- Ask the First "Why?": Ask yourself why that problem occurred. Answer as directly as possible.
- Example: "Why didn't I turn in the report on time? Because I didn't start working on it until the last day."
- Ask the Second "Why?": Take the previous answer and ask why again.
- Example: "Why didn't I start working on it until the last day? Because I was procrastinating."
- Continue the Process: Keep asking "why?" to each new answer.
- "Why was I procrastinating? Because the task seemed overwhelming and I didn't know where to start."
- "Why did it seem overwhelming? Because the goal was too vague and I didn't have a clear plan."
- "Why didn't I have a clear plan? Because I was afraid to ask for a meeting with my boss to clarify the goals, for fear of appearing incompetent."
The Root Cause Revealed
As the example shows, after five "whys," we have moved from an apparent "time management" problem to a much deeper root cause: "fear of appearing incompetent."
Now we can work on the real problem.
The solution is not a new calendar, but perhaps practicing assertiveness to ask for clarification or working on the limiting belief that generates that fear.
Learning to apply this technique,both to our own challenges and those of others, makes us much more effective problem solvers, capable of generating real and lasting change.
learning to solve root problems