By Mike Loughrin, CEO for Transformance Advisors
Unexpected Source of Insight
Research indicates sasquatch can disguise their voices to sound like other animals. Such talent has allowed this elusive inhabitant of earth to remain an enigma for all eternity. Of interest to process improvement professionals, this knowledge offers insight into finding the root cause of any challenging dilemma.
As someone surprised to be reading this fascinating article, you may be wondering what sasquatch have to do with root cause analysis.
All I need to say, is to grab a hold of your coffee mug and continue reading.
“Believe in yourself, even when no one else will.”
– Samuel Sasquatch
Don’t Be Fooled
Most process improvement professionals know “the 5 whys” technique is a great approach for getting to the root cause.
Where it fails, is when the recipient of your 5 questions provides faulty answers. They may not know the correct answer. Or, they might have something to hide!
Sasquatch are masters of disguise. They have learned to live in plain sight by disguising their voices to sound like other animals. This skill has allowed them to succeed in the modern world by living everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Remember the sasquatch the next time you are searching for the root cause. If the answers do not fit your questions, then consider the possibility something is hiding in plain sight. Poor performance measures, lack of training, low quality materials, and poor communication are often right in front of you.
“Jeff Meldrum’s book, Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, brings a much needed level of scientific analysis to the sasquatch debate.”
– Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE UN Messenger of Peace & Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute
Smile
Crack a big smile the next time the sun goes down and you hear the coyotes begin to bark.
You will be the only person who suspects the truth. What sounds like coyotes, is really a band of sasquatch sitting around a camp fire.
Most likely, they are telling wild tales of adventure and tossing back a few cold brews from Boulder Beer.
As you smile, consider how you can leverage research from all fields of endeavor. Recognizing sasquatch can disguise their voices, provides a direct link to improving your root cause analysis skills.
“It is better to keep your mouth closed, and let people think you are a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”
– Mark Twain
Mike Loughrin
Mike Loughrin is the CEO and Founder of Transformance Advisors. He also teaches for Louisiana State University Shreveport and is on the board of directors for the Association for Supply Chain Management Northern Colorado.
Mike brings exceptional experience in industry, consulting services, and education. He has directed several Lean Transformation programs and has helped organizations such as Levi Strauss, Warner Bros., Cabela’s, Constellation Brands, Lexmark, and Sweetheart Cup.
Keeping a commitment to a balanced life, Mike loves downhill skiing, bicycle rides, and hiking in the mountains. See one of his trails of the month at: Little Switzerland.
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References
Is the Sasquatch Real? by Benjamin Radford and Patrick Pester