Root Cause: When you read that – what comes to mind?
Think about it as a tree – the root of the tree, the trunk, the limb, the branches, the twigs, the leaves and possibly fruit.
Many times in life we look at the symptoms instead of the cause.
Using a health example - we have a headache, so we take a Tylenol or an Advil, when we should look deeper than that and realize maybe we have a headache because we are dehydrated.
Using a business example – a part has failed – so we just put in a PO and buy a new one – but why did that part fail? What caused it to fail? Did it last the length of time it should have or is something creating an environment for that part to fail earlier than it should? If you buy a new part and just replace it, then the issue has not been fixed and it will do the same thing over again…
In this way, many times we are treating or looking at the leaves, twigs, branches, limb or even the trunk, but we overlook the root. It can sometimes take time to get to the root of the issue – whether it be personal or business, but in both cases, it is worth while doing a full analysis and finding the root…
Take time to do it properly and always search for the root cause – it will benefit you in the long run.
In business, having access to good, accurate historical data will assist in the process.
Questions to Ponder:
Do we get to the root cause?
Are we just dealing with a temporary fix?
Are we just putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole?
Take many things in to consideration when searching for the root cause. You will be glad you invested the time, effort and energy.
If you are wanting assistance on a personal level with this, visit www.peopleunderconstruction.com or contact support@peopleunderconstruction.com; if you are looking for assistance from a business standpoint, visit www.customizedbusinessessentials.com or contact support@customizedbusinessessentials.com.
