What’s the Problem?

Exploring root cause analysis and how it can help.

By Deana Fuhr 

If you aren’t seeing improvement in your hiring processes, despite years of implementing various solutions, the core of the problem isn’t understood fully. 

You should always diagnose before you prescribe. 

This approach should be applied to business decisions more often. All too often, we try to fix problems without enough information or a proper solution. This results in wasted time, and worse, aggravating the problem. 

Root cause analysis is a useful tool for remedying this issue by understanding the problem first, then finding a solution that works. This method works to uncover the core of the problem, as opposed to superficial information to make decisions. Conducting root cause analysis is a common trait of all high-performing businesses. 

To better understand your company’s processes, ask some of your trusted employees to help you conduct a root cause analysis on a recurring organizational issue. This will not only help you solve problems but also identify thought leaders in your organization. The depth of your employees’ thinking, conclusions, and skills will be revealed in this analysis. 

Understanding the root cause of a problem is the first step to finding and implementing an effective solution. Though it’s tempting, we shouldn’t try to solve a problem without understanding why it’s a problem first. If we start too early, it’s already too late. 

Deana Fuhr, Partner