7Choose the Most Probable Cause

When solving problems, dig at the roots, instead of just hacking at the leaves.

Anthony J. D’Angelo

7.1Potential Problem-Solving Traps

Solving problems isn’t always as straightforward as some tools and techniques might lead you to believe, because in reality there are unforeseen obstacles that can tend to cloud the issue. There are problem-solving traps, or pitfalls, that lie in wait that will deceive and mislead the problem-solving team. Although you can’t really eliminate these traps, you must be mindful that they exist. Like a well-polished con man, these traps will deceive you if you aren’t careful, so be aware of their existence. These traps include:

  1. Erroneous information, facts, or data

  2. Defective measurement ...

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