Tool 17/30 - Root Cause Analysis

 

The objectives of this short ten minute exercise -

1. To learn a tool that will be helpful in work life 
2. To apply the learning within a few minutes of learning
3. To use this as a morning ritual to start a great day 

Step 1 - the warm up

Keep your journal and pen at hand

Sit in a relaxed position with an intent to go into a ‘flow state’ to learn something new

Take three deep, powerful breaths to lock in your focus and start the next step

Step 2 - the learning

About Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving method used to identify the underlying cause of an issue. It helps prevent recurrence by addressing the root rather than symptoms. Originating from engineering and quality control practices in the 1920s, RCA gained prominence in business through the Total Quality Management (TQM) movement in the 1980s.

Situations (examples) where this tool can be best used

• Declining profit margins

• Low employee engagement

• Project delays and budget overruns

The top three mental muscles (competencies) developed by practicing this tool

• Problem-solving - Addressing challenges thoughtfully and decisively

• Analytical thinking - Breaking down complex issues into manageable components

• Critical thinking - Evaluating information and ideas objectively

A corporate story to understand the usage of this tool

The Tim Cook (Apple) story (Sustainability and Ethical Leadership)

Problem:

Apple faced significant pressure regarding its environmental impact and ethical practices, particularly around its supply chain, energy consumption, and e-waste. Public scrutiny was increasing, with stakeholders demanding greater corporate responsibility in sustainability.

Root Cause:

Upon applying Root Cause Analysis, it became clear that Apple’s previous focus was primarily on innovation and market leadership, with less emphasis on environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing in its supply chain. The company’s reliance on third-party manufacturers, some of which had questionable labor practices, further contributed to these concerns.

Impact:

This created reputational risks, including criticism from environmental groups, human rights organizations, and customers. It also risked affecting Apple's market share among environmentally conscious consumers and investors focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.

Solutions:

Tim Cook spearheaded several initiatives:Transitioned Apple to 100% renewable energy across all its facilities.

Strengthened ethical sourcing policies, including audits of supply chain partners.

Committed to using recycled materials in products, including aluminum and rare earth elements.

Launched the Apple Recycling Program to reduce e-waste.

Best Solution:The best solution was Apple’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, focusing on renewable energy, ethical sourcing, and product recycling. This approach not only mitigated the risks but also reinforced Apple's brand as a leader in both innovation and corporate responsibility, positioning it well for future growth in a sustainability-conscious market.

A story from the World Wars

My personal story

Context

I was QA manager in Cardiff. I was told to make myself redundant because of cost pressures. I created a concept called Project Manager's gold mine and integrated my tasks into the Project Managers’ tasks

Problem - I was asked to make myself redundant

Root cause - My cost was high and therefore the Programme Manager could not accommodate me in the team

Impact - The impact of removing me would be on quality of delivery

Solutions - 1. Reduce the scope of work, 2. Take on additional responsibilities at the same cost, 3. Continue working from a low cost centre, 4. Generate some innovative idea 

Select the best solution - I chose to generate an idea (integrating my tasks into Project Manager’s tasks) by which the quality of delivery would not be affected. I created a concept called Project Manager's gold mine. This idea became a great tool for any Project Manager across projects.

Step 3 - the reflection

Sit back, go down memory lane, think of various events in your work life where you could have used this learning.

If nothing comes to mind, think of a situation that would help you answer any one of these interview questions.

1. “How do you deal with customer complaints or feedback?” - Talk about how you go beyond resolving the immediate issue by investigating why the complaint occurred in the first place
2. “Tell me about a project that failed and how you managed the situation” - Describe how you conducted a post-mortem analysis to identify the root cause of the failure
3. “How do you handle underperformance in a team?” - Explain how you dig deeper to identify the reasons behind underperformance

Step 4 - the practice

Apply your learning to the situation you selected above.

• Problem
• Root cause
• Impact
• Solutions

Step 5 - the victory lap

Celebrate your achievement for a minute. Maybe a quick victory lap doing some energizing exercise?

**

To those who felt, “I feel that these tools are academic and not impactful in real-world settings.” - Do you feel that the last ten minutes were worth the effort?

I must tell you that some inspirational companies have institutionalised this tool (Shell, Ford Motor Company, Procter & Gamble, NASA, Toyota) 

This exercise is not only about management tools. It’s about building a neural pathway. And it’s about my mantra for creating small daily acts of feeling successful and happy. 

Don’t forget to carry this image 👇 in your mind. There could be a great situation where you may want to use the tool. Keep a log of all such situations. This practice will help you when you want to train someone.

My congratulations for your first dose of the day of success and happiness. Have a great day ahead.