To discern your battle
The art of a well defined problem.
Welcome to OutsmartChaos, the newsletter. We’re glad you’re here. In this newsletter, you will find:
Ambiguity
Understanding the Root Cause
Aboard a sinking canoe
The Art of Not Sinking
Self-Reflection Questions
Ambiguity
The most profound chaos comes in ambiguity. It’s a deep concern, as there is no way to grasp with your hands and no foundation for your feet.
All too often, ambiguity exists in the problems we experience in life and work. We struggle as the problems in front of us are unclear, and those who are supposed to provide support and direction are afraid. If they were honest - they’d tell you they are just as unclear of the situation as you are.
And most of the time, they hide their fear in vague statements that might look like direction, adding more confusion and ambiguity.
There are better ways to lead. There are better ways to solve ambiguity.
The way to solve ambiguity is not to make ambiguous statements.
It’s solved by small, purposeful actions and understanding the root problem.
We need to understand the root cause.
Understanding the Root Cause
In technology, finding and analyzing the root cause (also known as the RCA - root cause analysis) is something that leadership demands after each hiccup, issue, or breach.
It’s generally a one-page document or email that includes:
Time and duration of the issue
Impact on the company and customers
Estimated Financial Impact
System Impact
Troubleshooting Steps
Solution to get things up and running
Long term recommendations
Root Cause
The root cause is often the last item on the list because the board of directors and executives are more interested in the financial impact. The Technology team is more focused on the resolution.
And the root cause becomes lost.
Like a canoe taking on water, it’s not the hole in the canoe that is focused on; it’s the pooling water.
Aboard a Sinking Canoe
Focusing on bailing water is not bad…in fact, it would be the right thing to do. Address the item with the most potential to cause catastrophic failure.
But taking the analogy a bit further - say you could make it off the lake after bailing the water from the canoe.
Crisis averted.
Now, onto the next lake - a larger body of water with more waves and stronger wind.
Should you expect to do anything but sink?
The art of not sinking
Bailing water is a temporary solution. Recovering after an outage or failure is the same. It’s easier and more clear to bail out water. It takes less consideration and humility to move past the failure.
But it won’t help you in the long run.
Your canoe still has a hole in it.
Your technology will cause issues again.
You’ll repeat the same failure.
Unless you choose to find the root. How?
Like a curious 5-year-old child - you keep asking why. An exercise from quality improvement patterns in Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma called “the Five Why” has proven to help you get to the root cause.
Situation: My canoe appears to be sinking.
Why? (1) It’s taking on water.
Why is the canoe taking on water? (2) Still trying to figure it out. Splashing, waves, and perhaps another issue.
Why do you suspect another issue? (3) Splashing and waves aren’t enough. It seems like it’s not about water coming from above the water line.
Why do you not think it’s coming from above the water line? (4) Because I can see what’s coming over the canoe. Perhaps it’s coming from under.
Why can’t you check what’s coming from under? (5) I can, once I’m safely ashore. I’ll look for holes and fix them.
Now, I’ll give you the fact that most issues at work and in life aren’t as simple as a canoe taking on water. The great part of the five whys exercise is that it works better in more complex situations. I’m sure you were wondering why I needed five questions to find a leak in the canoe.
Well, I couldn’t call it a five whys exercise without asking why five times, could I?
As you approach the situation and ask why, you’ll eventually find more than one trail to explore. More than one set of “whys.” That’s great. You’re on the right path.
And you’ll likely be able to identify several root causes that wouldn’t cause issues individually, but together, they cause havoc.
You’ve found your root cause. And you can fix it so that it doesn’t happen again.
Self Reflection Questions
Are there areas where I give myself or others ambiguous directions? How can I change that?
What specific situation in my life or work feels like a canoe sinking? How can I address this?
Where can I use the 5 Why’s exercise today?
If I were to consult a mentor or coach, what questions would they ask that would help me see clearly?
Where would I benefit from someone who can help me navigate my ambiguity? Who will I reach out to?
At Outsmart Chaos, we believe that in the Face of Chaos, Confident Courage lights the Path to Opportunity. We’re dedicated to helping you find your way to the most significant opportunities in your life, career, and leadership.
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