May 24, 2022
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Problem Solving: Find The Root Cause, The Minto Pyramid Principle, & More
At a glance
Welcome to the 500(!) new friends of the Mental Models, Concepts, and Frameworks newsletter who have joined us since last week!
This week: 5 of the best problem solving methods I've found
1) Find The Root Cause
A proximate cause is the most immediately observable cause of a problem.
The symptom.
The root cause is the underlying reason.
The disease.
When problem solving, find the root cause to ensure it doesn't happen again.
How? The 5 Whys Method
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64338c02463a20b158c136bb/64338c02463a2095acc138a7_FSFqDqrXIAMqGZo.jpeg)
2) The Minto Pyramid Principle
A McKinsey developed framework for writing and presenting ideas.
"A tool to help you find out what you think."
Process:
1. Start with the problem first
2. Group and summarize your supporting arguments
3. Logically order your supporting ideas
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64338c02463a20b158c136bb/64338c02463a207bc5c138aa_FSFqEGvXsAIYsGx.jpeg)
3) Ishikawa Diagram
A diagram indicating the possible root causes of a problem.
Steps:
1. Define the problem (Product failure)
2. Identify contributing factors (Blue ovals)
3. Find possible root causes related to each factor (Black text and arrows)
4. Analyse the diagram
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64338c02463a20b158c136bb/64338c02463a2029cec138a8_FSFqE2oXIAAiuvc.png)
4) Inversion
When problem solving, consider the opposite of what you want—the worst-case scenario or solution.
Now ask, "How do I avoid this happening?"
Inversion teaches you what to avoid on the path to success.
Avoiding stupidity is easier than seeking excellence.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64338c02463a20b158c136bb/64338c02463a204dc3c138ab_FSFqFWyXMAEindM.jpeg)
5) Issue Trees
Issue trees are a visual diagram that help you break down a larger problem or question into several smaller, more solvable questions.
They allow you to identify the root causes of a problem as well as to identify its potential solutions.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64338c02463a20b158c136bb/64338c02463a20060ac138a9_FSFqF95WUAE4aD2.jpeg)
That's it! I hope you enjoyed reading :)