---

Guest post by: Robert Whipple Become an Author

Tweet

---

---

Many groups flounder or become paralyzed when problems arise. A panic sets in and people lose perspective. Good leaders model sound problem-solving skills. They encourage an atmosphere where logic, rather than emotion, prevails. This is done in a rational and deliberate fashion that keeps people calm.

When facing a problem, put things into perspective first. Give people a chance to vent and voice their concerns. Quickly focus energy on the issue as a challenge to be overcome, rather than a calamity. Keep people from "cause-jumping," assigning a cause before the data is examined. Assemble the right resources based on the nature and severity of the problem. Avoid overkill, but make sure you have enough horsepower and knowledge to understand the problem.

Examine the situation in a logical manner. What are the facts? List observable symptoms and, most importantly, what is not happening that you might expect under these circumstances? This allows you to identify boundaries of the problem. List probable causes in a logical analysis, and begin to eliminate those that do not fit the data. Finally, find a way to test the cause to see if it is the root cause of the problem.

Identifying the root cause as opposed to the immediate cause is critical to obtain a lasting fix. For example, we once had a packaging line that started to nick boxes of product making them unacceptable. Analysis of the problem indicated a push-rod was out of position. It required adjustment.

• Before realigning the rod, we asked why it was out of position. Answer: it had come loose due to a loose setscrew.

• Before replacing the setscrew, we asked why it was loose. Answer: it was vibrating more than usual.

• Before we dampened the vibration, we asked why this was occurring. Answer: it had a very sloppy bearing on a rotating shaft above it.

• Before replacing the bearing, we asked why it was sloppy. Answer: it had no lubrication; it had become dry.

• Before lubricating the bearing, we asked why it was dry. Answer: The technician did not do the preventive maintenance on the machine.

• Before bawling out the technician for not doing his job, we asked why this happened. Answer: Management did not have a good backup policy for vacations, so nobody did his work while he was gone.

After finally reaching root cause, we were able to put fixes in for all the symptoms in a way that solved the problem for good, and many other problems lurking below the surface were thwarted.

The technique of asking "why" at least 5 times is a good guideline for getting to the root cause of problems. Good leaders keep probing until the root cause is found. This isn't all drudgery, either. In fact, it can be quite comical as most problems, when traced back far enough, become management failures. Seek out opportunities to keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable, even in the midst of tough challenges.

Related Articles

  10 Key Problem Solving Tips For Managers
  Problem Solving
  Innovation or problem solving? is a great question to ask often
  THOUGHT SHOWERING (BRAINSTORMING)
  LIFE IS DIFFICULT
  Developing Problem Solving Skills for Your Computer Home Based Business
  Do Not Bring Me Problems Bring Me Solutions
  Protect Your Time, Don't Solve Everyone's Problems
  A Top Sales Manager Adapts To The Situation…And Not The Other Way Around
  Sales Management | How To Be A Flexible Sales Leader
  Easy Solutions For Managing Problem Solving Challenges
  Banks Cant Sell
  More than One Way to Skin a Cat: Adventures in Creative Thinking
  A Guide to Creative Thinking
  Thinking Differently About Problem Solving
  A simple problem solving process
  Problem Solving: Don't Ignore the Nudges
  Problems=Solutions
  6 Steps to Solving Problems
  Power to Your People

Related Forum Posts

Re: LEADERS
Re: Quote of the Day - "Start small and with your own money." -
Entrepreneurs come up with "The Big Idea"

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Severance and Separation Agreements

Give a Little Bit

Media Lists and How to Build a Fantastic one

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.