You may need to do some additional research to rule out anything that looks like a cause but actually isn’t. Then, analyze the actual impact of each possible cause.
Don’t worry about validating root causes at first - brainstorm the longest list you can come up with. If you’re trying to improve a process for greater efficiency, detail every part of the current workflow. Brainstorm possible root causesĪfter identifying the problem, list all the possible issues or events that may have contributed to it. Releases that are consistently late degrade customer experience and customer trust, increasing churn and impacting revenue negatively. They will also be able to discuss the issue as it relates to the business as a whole. As that manager pulls together data and insights, they will be able to confidently report exactly how often product releases are behind schedule, providing a concrete description of the problem.
Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic approach to identifying the core of a problem or inefficiency so you can identify the best way to solve it. Root cause analysis (RCA) is the key to effective change because it’s an actionable structure for thinking about the problem. Many managers try to jump right to easing the symptoms of a problem, but lasting change starts at the beginning.
But resolving those ingrained issues and improving those established systems can be tricky. Recurring problems and inefficient processes waste resources, restrict ROI, and chip away at morale. The pursuit of efficiency is a constant goal for business leaders.