In solving a problem, do you understand the 'cause-effect' relationships?
Can you draw a fish-bone diagram and accurately quantify the impact of each 'bone' of the fish?
Just because its hard to do does not mean it should not be done. If you think it cannot be done, try anyway. Describe obstacles objectively, ask for help and watch the power of collaboration make the impossible possible.
If you solve a problem without understanding the 'cause-effect' relationships, then you just got lucky. Understanding the 'cause-effect' relationship after solving a problem is better than flying blind into the next problem.
Understanding the 'cause-effect' relationships is table stakes. It may not guarantee future success in addressing similar problems. The Panama Canal could not be built using the lessons learnt from the Suez Canal; it required an understanding of the realities and re-inventing the approach.
1 comment:
Cause and effect seems like a simple concept but its far from simple if applied with rigor. Often figuring out what is not the cause is as important than establishing what are the causes of the effect.
e.g. you can find case studies on why a company or individual succeeded and causes for success. If you were to look closely, you'll find a large # of samples with similar attributes that failed miserably. Their stories weren't as interesting or news worthy but it does highlight the relative complexity of causal interactions.
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