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The Dynamics of Inculcating the Root Cause Mentality-
Organizational and Personal changes Which Must Occur to Enable True Root Cause Discovery

by C. Robert Nelms

If you have been trained, if you are motivated, and if you see the value in root cause discovery but are overwhelmed by organizational impediments, this book is for you.

A "battle" is being waged.  The "enemy" has always been there, but has never been too concerned about us, since we were so weak and disorganized.  But now that people are showing interest, a "dynamic" is beginning to develop.  Hang on to your hats.

As I continue listening to people's comments and predicaments, it becomes increasingly apparent that the root cause mentality will not "take hold" unless some unprecedented steps occur to change people's attitude towards failure.  It's all a matter of attitude.

Root cause discovery is not only "just one more thing to do."  It is initially an incredibly manpower and time consuming thing to do.  As such, if it is to be done at all, much thought will have to be put into the details of implementation and inculcation.

The message must be firm, bold, and authoritative.  Root cause discovery is THE answer, not just AN answer.  When and if a root cause mentality is embraced at your site, you will find yourself in ANOTHER ERA!

What is most important to us?  What are we all about?  What's worth our time, energy, and lives?  Why are we in business?  Why do things go wrong?  Our willingness and ability to ask these questions IS the root cause mentality.

C. Robert Nelms has been pursuing root cause discovery since 1974.  He is an international lecturer, consultant, and seminar leader.  Thousands have attended his courses.  This is his 3rd book.

This book will be your constant reference on how to implement and inculcate the root cause mentality at your place of business.  Whether you are a "lone ranger," or part of an organized and funded effort, you will refer to this book over and over again.  (Don't overlook the plea in the last chapter!)

As I continue working with more and more people and listen to their comments and predicaments, it becomes increasingly apparent that the root cause mentality will not take hold unless some unprecedented steps occur to change people's attitude towards failure.  It's all a matter of attitude.

2.  Buried in a Cloud of Nonsense

Think for a moment about the words "root cause."  The phrase leaves no room for anything "deeper."  When we use the words "root cause," we suggest something absolute, i.e., there is nothing more to know...  Yet reflect on the use of this word.  Listen for its use in your organization.  Acknowledge how vendors use it.  Watch for it in the newspapers... I think you'll find that root cause discovery is presently a concept floating around inside a cloud of trivial nonsense.

3.  Outside-In versus Inside-Out -- the 2 Forms of Root Cause Discovery

There are two types of problems in the world we live in: visible and invisible.  As humans, we have no trouble seeing problems, as long as those problems are "outside" ourselves.  But it is interesting what happens to people when they are asked to "look into a mirror" to identify things they are doing incorrectly.  As we shift our attention inwardly, the visibility of problems diminishes drastically.  It is the issue of visibility which is the real focus of this chapter.

4.  The Mother-Source as the Driver of Implementation

The Mother-Source for root cause discovery is a specially-chosen group of people, both trained and having a passion for root cause discovery -- people who are committed and available to assure implementation and inculcation.  The Mother-Source is the KEY ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE necessary for successful implementation of the root cause mentality.  SUCCESS WILL NOT OCCUR WITHOUT IT.

5.  The Forces in Control of Inculcation

As stated repeatedly throughout this book, root cause discovery will not occur without the sincere desire of the inquisitor.  How then is such a desire instilled -- especially with a subject as "negative-sounding" as "failure?"  In this chapter, the dynamics of inculcation will be revealed by exploring 5 models.  Each model suggests specific actions in support of a root cause mentality.

6.  Small, Firm Steps

A root cause mentality will not "take hold" overnight, but rather as a result of small, firm steps.  This final chapter delineates 3 types of steps which will help mature such an effort:  initiating, founding, and growth step -- each of which builds on one another.  Finally, in the last pages of the book a suggestion is made to pool resources for the building of a national / international forum supportive of the inculcation of root cause discovery as a way of thinking in our businesses.