The Day I Put Three Suppliers on CS1
Many supplier quality problems are corrected but never truly resolved. Sustainable improvement requires understanding the conditions that create recurring supplier issues.
I Really Don't Want to Manage Your Supplier. But If I Have To, I Will.
Many supplier quality problems are corrected but never truly resolved. Sustainable improvement requires understanding the conditions that create recurring supplier issues.
Why Supplier Quality Problems Keep Returning
Many supplier quality problems are corrected but never truly resolved. Sustainable improvement requires understanding the conditions that create recurring supplier issues.
Evidence Is the Bridge Between Outcomes and Causes
Organizations collect vast amounts of data, but data alone does not create understanding. Evidence is the bridge that connects outcomes to causes and enables meaningful learning and improvement.
The Most Dangerous Words in Business: "We Know the Cause"
Many organizations stop investigating when they find the first explanation that sounds reasonable. True understanding requires evidence, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
Why Every Department Needs Root Cause Thinking
Every department produces outcomes. Sales, marketing, human resources, engineering, operations, finance, and leadership all create results that can be understood, improved, preserved, or prevented through root cause thinking.
The Difference Between Cause and Blame
Root cause analysis is not about finding someone to blame. It is about developing sufficient understanding of the conditions that created an outcome so meaningful improvement can occur.
Why Corrective Action Often Fails
Organizations often implement corrective actions quickly, yet many problems return. Sustainable improvement requires understanding the causes behind outcomes before taking action.
Success Has Root Causes Too
Organizations devote significant effort to investigating failure but rarely investigate success. Understanding the causes of successful outcomes creates opportunities to preserve, strengthen, and replicate excellence.
Every Organization Produces Outcomes
Every organization produces outcomes. Customers, employees, suppliers, and stakeholders all experience the results of decisions, processes, leadership, and organizational conditions that create performance.
Root Cause Analysis Is Not About Problems
Most organizations view root cause analysis as a tool for solving problems. True Root Cause thinking focuses on understanding the causes behind all organizational outcomes, including success.