Why Teams Aren’t Good at Root Cause Analysis

August 15, 2024

Why Teams Aren’t Good at Root Cause Analysis and How to Fix It

Trust part 2 by Doc McIntyre

In response to last week’s “Trust is earned, not given” nugget, my friend David sent me the coolest tip for new managers:

You have to have the small talk before you have the big talk.

Build your base. Don’t come in hot. Make some deposits in the relationship bank account before you start making withdrawals.

Why Teams Aren’t Good at Root Cause Analysis and How to Fix It

Coming at you todaywith a topic that's near and dear to my heart—Root Cause Analysis (RCA). Now, let’s be honest, most teams struggle with RCA. It’s not that they don’t care or aren’t smart enough. It’s that they’re missing a key piece of the puzzle: a clear, disciplined approach. And that’s where our GSD (GET SH!T DONE) system comes into play.

Let’s break it down.

The Problem: Getting Stuck in the Symptom Cycle

When a problem crops up, most teams are quick to throw a band-aid on it. Something breaks, a machine goes down, a process fails—boom, quick fix, and on to the next. But here’s the deal: That’s treating the symptom, not the cause. It’s like cutting the top off a weed but leaving the roots intact. Guess what? That weed’s coming back, and it’s bringing friends.

Teams often stop at the first answer, the first “fix” that seems to work. But that’s a surface-level solution. It doesn’t dig deep enough to uncover the real issue.

The Fix: The GSD System Approach

Here’s how you get better—how you Get Sh!t Done:

Clarity: Before you can solve a problem, you’ve got to understand it. That means clearly defining the issue and asking the tough questions. What’s really going on here? What are the contributing factors? The GSD system demands you dig deep, beyond the obvious, to get to the root.
Teamwork: RCA isn’t a solo sport. It’s about bringing the right people together—those who are closest to the problem and those who can see the bigger picture. GSD emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and every angle is considered.
Discipline: This is where most teams falter. RCA requires discipline. It’s not a one-and-done deal. You’ve got to keep peeling back the layers until you hit the core. And that takes persistence, patience, and a structured approach. Our GSD system provides that structure, keeping teams on track and focused on the goal.
Energy: Let’s face it—RCA can be draining. It’s easy to lose steam halfway through. But the GSD system is built to sustain energy, keeping teams motivated with clear milestones and a sense of progress. When you see results, you stay engaged.

The Bottom Line

If you want to build a kick-ass culture, you’ve got to be good at Root Cause Analysis. And if you want to be good at Root Cause Analysis, you’ve got to use a system that works. The GSD system isn’t just a tool; it’s a mindset. It’s about getting to the root of the problem, fixing it for good, and moving forward with confidence.

So, the next time your team is faced with a problem, don’t settle for the quick fix. Get to the root, get disciplined, and Get Sh!t Done.

Let’s make sure we’re pulling those weeds out by the roots, folks. After all, we’re here to build something that lasts.

Until next time, keep grinding and Get Sh!t Done!