Root Cause: Stop Fixing Symptoms, Find the Real Problem!

11 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief interview, Chrissy Myers discusses a common pitfall among business leaders: focusing on visible symptoms or outputs rather than uncovering the underlying cause of problems. She stresses that addressing only the symptoms leads to recurring issues, whereas solving the system’s root cause prevents repeat failures. Myers highlights Lean thinking, specifically the "5 Whys" technique, as a practical method for drilling down to the true problem. The conversation underscores the importance of shifting mindset from quick fixes to systematic analysis to achieve lasting improvements in business operations.

I don't know if this is unique to business owners, but people tend to look at the output or the symptom instead of, so what's causing that and address it? I mean, I'm sure you've seen it in business too, so.
Oh, absolutely. I think it's important because I think business leaders oftentimes we're trying to solve for the significant symptoms when we should be instead of solving for the system or the true problem.
Or we'll be facing this again instead of you really addressing this.
Yeah, you continue to repeat.
Yeah, and that's all part of my, the Lean training, which I don't know if I'm a, full practicer right now, but that's— you got to get to the 5 Whys and find out what's really at the problem.