innercausationcorrelationofproblemsolving

Causation, correlation, and non-linearity are all crucial to deepen understanding of problems in order to solve them effectively.

Generally speaking, a problem is a difference between an expectation and the current reality. The world we live in becomes more complex, with information exponentiality and unprecedented uncertainty so the emerging problems are also becoming over-complex and interdependent.

Trying to fix the wrong cause of a problem will waste talent, resources or time, increase anxiety and reward mediocrity. Thus, it’s important to make extensive observation, do deep analysis, gain comprehensive understanding of causation, correlation, and figure out the exact cause and effect of problems in order to solve them smoothly without causing more issues later on.

Causation is always within a context: The first step to solve the problem is to identify the problem - the exact description of the problem. As the problem has a cause or multiple causes – what is wrong, why does the problem happen? Gathering quality information is a crucial step in problem-solving identification. Causation is often contextual so contextual understanding helps people shape an insightful view of the complex problem and broaden people’s perspective of cause and effective of the issue by pondering “whys” or “whats” of issues; clarifying the root causes from the symptoms; then list the pros & cons of possible solutions, etc.

Information collection and assumption testing are always crucial to contextualization. If you understand the origin of the situation, where you want it to go, and how to get there, you would understand the specific “WHYs” to dig through the root causes. Context can be altered with urgency or the perception of urgency. Thus, it can also provide an angle for setting the right priority to solve problems that really matter. Seeing the context, you are “part” of, and understanding the context relevance allows you to identify the leverage points of structural problem-solving and then, choose the decisive factors, in an attempt to solve problems.

Correlation in problem-solving implies understanding relationships between possible causes or interrelationships between different problems:

Every complex problem can be considered to be a symptom of another problem. Correlation is simply a relationship and it doesn't necessarily mean causation in problem-defining and solving. The problems usually have many causes and can be very complex. Correlations between relevant problems or between varying causations of the problem enable people to understand patterns, collect further information, think about not only one problem, but a chain of relevant issues. The better you can understand the interrelationships of issues and interactions of different parts of the problems, the more holistic and comprehensive solutions will emerge, without causing further issues.

There are multiple, inter-related dynamics, insightful problem-solvers keep pondering: How is your current problem/goal related to the bigger problems or greater context? To understand correlations and discover patterns, it’s important to perceive the interdependence of varying relevant issues or connected pieces, provide the deep insight into the emergent properties; and figure out how to deal with such complexity with interactive pieces and “conflict” goals via interdisciplinary and empathetic lenses.

Focus on nonlinear rather than just linear cause-effect: Keep in mind the cause-effect of the problem is not always linear, a small effect in one place can cause a cascade of events that produce a nonlinear big impact. So it is perhaps important to find the pain spot of the organization: Is the organizational IT system making the business fragile? Is the corporate culture causing change inertia? Are people lacking the right skills, being put in the wrong position for solving problems? Etc. See interconnectivity and the many potential options in complex problem-solving. Many leaders or professionals in organizations do not understand complexity and non-linearity and are looking for quick fixes to the problems they perceive. That would cause more issues later on.

Even if we understand all different forms of thinking, the problems facing the planet don't seem to be reducing. There are no unsolvable problems, but there are complex problems that are those you cannot solve with given resources, knowledge and capabilities you have at your disposal at the time the problem arises. Encourage learning but also be practical. If you try to impose solutions or structures that are too far ahead of the curve, the result is alienation and rebellion rather than problem-solving. As problem-solving is both art and science. Gain a greater understanding of the problems or the overall situation sociologically, technologically, psychologically, economically, and anthropologically. It’s important to leverage interdisciplinary, increase the influence and be part of the solutions.

A solution is vague or temporary if the problem is not perceived comprehensively. Causation, correlation, and non-linearity are all crucial to deepen understanding of problems in order to solve them effectively. Good problem-solvers can fix the root cause of one problem; great problem-solvers can solve a chain of related issues. The great of great can prevent problems from happening, dissolve issues, or transform potential problems into opportunities. Leaders and professionals need to build their reputation as a problem-solver rather than a problem-creator to make collective progress.

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