10 Simple Tips for Building a Strong Argument into Your Next Root Cause Analysis

Your initial Apollo training provided you with the skills needed to break down problems into their most basic elements called "causes". Most importantly, the training showed you how to find the best ways to prevent defined problems from recurring. Part of this problem solving skill set includes an understanding of how to use the Cause and Effect Principle. The Cause and Effect Principle is unique to the Apollo RCA method. It is made up of four characteristics which help analysts understand how causes relate to each other so that it is easier to determine which causes were involved and which ones were not.

Fundamentally, the Apollo RCA method is a collection of critical thinking principles designed to help you create a strong argument that explains why a problem occurred and shows the logical connection between solutions and the actual causes of a problem. In an Apollo RCA the logic of your analysis is visually depicted via the Realitychart. The Realitychart also becomes the platform from which effective solutions are identified and the place where the logical connections between causes and effective solutions are evident. Without a solid Realitychart, a problem solvers' ability to identify solution options and to select the most effective solutions is diminished.

The principles of logical thinking teach us that an argument is valid when the conclusion logically flows from the premises AND there are no other circumstances that would invalidate the argument. A sound argument is a valid argument when the premises are true. Try thinking of your next RCA as an exercise in constructing a logical argument and bringing clarity to an otherwise complex scenario as your primary job. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you build an inductively strong argument into your next Apollo RCA:

1. Think of your entire analysis as an argument with the primary effect being your main conclusion and the causes as the premises which support that conclusion.

2. Be sure that the primary effect logically flows from the causes you have identified. Use Baby Steps (i.e., inserting causes between causes) to improve the logical flow of your analysis.

3. Be sure your analysis will resonate with your colleagues. If you have to, run it by them - they will point out areas that do not make sense.

4. Be sure that all the causes are true. Use robust forms of evidence to validate each cause. Use more than one piece of evidence to increase the certainty for any causes you feel require a greater level of validation.

5. Avoid vague or ambiguous wording when describing causes such as: inadequate, poor, lack of, or failed. Be specific what those terms mean but don't get too wordy (Extra Hint: use the new "Notes" or "Reference" feature in RealityCharting® version 4.0 to clarify your terms).

6. Add any additional causes to your analysis that strengthen your argument. Try to anticipate any counter arguments or "Yes, but what about..." scenarios and address them by adding additional causes.

7. Try focusing on the logic of what your Realitychart is saying, not on labeling the actions and conditions. Label your actions and conditions after you are confident the analysis is sound.

8. Spend enough time on the analysis so that it describes your problem adequately enough for you to see a number of different solution opportunities.

9. Ensure your final solutions are specific and detailed enough that they can be easily implemented by a third person by avoiding vague or ambiguous wording.

10. Follow the four steps of the Apollo method but remember that the "ends" - creating a logical analysis, is more important than the "means" - i.e., how you get there.

What specific tips or hints do you have that have helped you to improve the strength of your analysis or success of your solutions?

10 Simple Tips for Building a Strong Argument into Your Next Root Cause Analysis

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