Root Cause Analysis

Guide the identification of root causes, not symptoms, for a framed problem, using Five Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), Current Reality Tree, and constraint identification. This is an interactive SKILL.

What is covered in this Skill?

• Five Whys for a linear causal chain from a symptom to a root cause
• Fishbone (Ishikawa) for categorized candidate causes across multiple dimensions
• Current Reality Tree for interconnected causes and effects with a small number of core problems
• Constraint identification for the limiting factor holding the current state in place
• Choosing the technique(s) proportionate to the problem's complexity
• Feeding root-cause findings into 023-assumption-analysis and the remaining Functional Specification lenses

Constraints

Distinguish root causes from symptoms before recommending a fix. When this technique is orchestrated by another workflow, the orchestrator owns clarifying-question sequencing; when applied standalone, ask directly.