Pitfalls in Root Cause Analysis

What could go wrong? When launching any endeavor, it is good to consider what could go wrong. I don't want to be a downer and worry shouldn't follow you into everything you do, however, when conducting root cause analyses, it is important to be aware of the following pitfalls:

• Relying too much on "common sense" or "gut feel".

  • Think about Einstein and his words, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

• Feeling the need to place blame.

  • 99% of the time, the problem isn't with a person but rather an ineffective or inefficient process or tools

• Incomplete use of root cause methodology/Stopping too soon

  • We're all busy, but we cannot be in a hurry when conducting root cause analysis

• Incomplete data

  • When verifying a potential root cause using data, it is important that the data is accurate and complete to enable good verification.

• Not my problem

  • Defensiveness, steering away the problem from the rightful root cause for self-protection

So here are some keys to conducting a successful root cause:

• Start with a solid problem statement

• Focus on the root cause and don't stray into corrective action planning during the root cause analysis session

• Invite in expert inputs to prevent superficial root causes

• Rank root causes and investigate using data to find the key drivers

• Use good, complete data to verify root cause

Knowing the pitfalls and focusing on success will enable good root cause analysis.