Every problem contains the seeds of its own solution.
--Stanley Arnold

It is easy to be overwhelmed by complex problems—sometimes to the point of paralysis. There are some great analytic tools to help systematically reduce a problem into packets of ‘known’ information enabling you to think carefully and accurately about a problem without either jumping to conclusions or slipping into the miasma of overwhelm. Good analysis enables us to make good decisions with confidence. Try this diagramming tool, Cause and Effect, next time you’ve got a thorny problem and see whether the visual clarity of this process helps you climb from muddy thinking back into clear light.

1. Identify the problem. Write down the exact problem you face in detail. You may wish to identify who is involved, what the problem is, when and where it occurs etc. Write the problem in a box on the left hand side of a large sheet of paper. Draw a line across the paper horizontally from the box. This gives you space to develop ideas on either side of the line. Some people prefer to work with Post its on a wall or a felt board. A big white board with markers is great too.
2. Work out the major factors involved. Now, identify the factors that may contribute to the problem. Draw lines off the spine for each factor and label it. The lines off the spine may be people involved with the problem, systems, equipment, material, external forces etc. Try to draw out and label as many possible factors as possible.
3. Identify possible causes. For each of the factors you have identified, brainstorm possible causes of the problem that may be related to the factor. Show these as smaller lines coming off of the pertinent factor line.
4. Analyze your diagram. By now, you have a diagram showing all the possible causes of your problem. If you do the work of this exercise, you will likely uncover possible causes to your problem that you had not considered.
5. Investigate the unknowns. Now that you have a lot of information, there is often a natural human tendency to dismiss possible causes that you personally don’t believe have merit. Don’t do this! Your goal is to untangle a problem accurately—not to confirm your own thinking. Investigating the unknowns may entail setting up surveys, conversations with individuals, data analysis, etc.

Here’s an example of what a Cause and Effect diagram looks like for a manager who is having trouble getting cooperation from a branch office. This example is taken from the wonderful website: www.mindtools.com which contains a range of helpful tools for workplace excellence.

If you are wrestling with a confusing problem that has big impact, invite other folks familiar with the situation to offer their thoughts about factors and causes. They will likely have a perspective that is fresh and worth reviewing. Once you get familiar with using this kind of diagram, you’ll find you can sketch a problem out quite rapidly and zero in on possible roots to the problem much more easily.

The best leaders of all, the people know not they exist.
They turn to each other and say ‘We did it ourselves.’
~ Zen Saying

Dina Silver, MCC, is the Principal of Pegasus Coaching Group.

I specialize in leadership coaching working with senior executives and their teams to create great leaders and high impact groups. I have enjoyed success working with technically proficient people who need guidance in developing the interpersonal skills that are essential to effective and compelling leadership.

My background in the entertainment industry as a feature film and interactive game producer effectively assists me in helping leaders develop powerful executive presence so that ideas and challenging initiatives are met with keen interest and excitement. In order to lead, people must be excited to follow!

I have enjoyed trusted advisor status with high performance individuals, teams and organizations, coaching in high tech, entertainment, banking, and marketing.

I hold a B.A. in United States History from Princeton University. I am a Master Certified Coach (MCC) and hold my credentialing through the International Coach Federation. In addition, I am certified in a range of assessment tools including DISC and PIAV, and am an active member of Professional Coaches and Mentors Association (PCMA) and the International Coach Federation (ICF). I am married, have two teenage kids, two fat black cats and live in Santa Monica, CA.

If you are interested in learning more about how my work may be of value to you and your organization, please get in touch. I am happy to offer interested prospects a complimentary and confidential half hour coaching session so you can take me and coaching for a test drive.