Checking for possible unexpected Negative Branches in a Future Reality Tree

When building a Future Reality Tree (FRT), a solution is “injected” to a string of cause-and-effect in order to neutralize it. If there is no check about a potential new problem created by the injected solution, it could be that ironically the solution to the first problem creates a new one, potentially worse. That would …

Converting Current Reality Tree (Problem) to a Future Reality Tree (Potential solution)

In a prior post (& video) I have presented a Current Reality Tree that I have scrutinized and improved as a tutorial. A Current Reality Tree is a thorough analysis of a problem, usually a complex one, aiming to uncover its critical root causes. Yet achieving to build a robust, logically sound Current Reality Tree …

Logical Thinking Process Elements

You may have watched some of my videos or read  some of my articles on this topic and  I hope that you’ve found some interest.  But I realize that some of you may lack the basic knowledge about the Logical Thinking Process, therefore I propose this crash course. It is not intended to turn you into …

What is a Negative Reinforcing Loop?

In the Logical Thinking Process parlance a Negative Reinforcing Loop is an amplifying effect of an UnDesirable Effect (UDE) on the cause that generates it. Usually iterative, each time the cause leads to a specific UDE, this latter one reinforces the cause, making things worse. Hence the loop, very likely to end up in a …

12 tips for leading in a downturn, COVID reloaded – Part 1/3

Five years ago, August 2015, I published my post “12 tips for leading in a downturn”. It was a collection of tips after having seen various management reactions to a slowdown, downturn, crisis, recession, that appeared in series from 2000 onwards. July 2020, France is officially out of its general lockdown and faces the aftermath …

Why you cannot use tentative language in a logic tree

I once happen to see a Current Reality Tree cluttered with “coulds” and “shoulds”. Conditional or tentative language cannot be used with logic trees and here is why. Cause-and-effect (sufficiency logic) The Logical Thinking Process logic trees use either sufficiency or necessity logic. Sufficiency or cause-and-effect relationship states that a cause, if it exists, is …

What is Negative Branch Reservation?

Did you experience this utmost frustration when having implemented a solution or countermeasure to a problem, a new issue arises brought up by this fix? This is what Negative Branch Reservation (NBR) intents to prevent. Negative Branch Reservation is  a robustness test usually associated with a Future Reality Tree (FRT). It checks what could go …

Rotate a Tree to start your project

During the Logical Thinking Process training course (June 2015), Bill Dettmer took us through the whole process and the associated tools at each step. The process starts with the famous Goal Tree, assess the current situation and focus on critical root causes with the Current Reality Tree (CRT). Conflict Resolution Diagram (AKA Evaporating Cloud) may …

Thinking Processes – Prerequisite Tree

The Prerequisite Tree (PRT) is one of the Logical Thinking Process tools, mentioned among the Thinking Processes by the Theory of Constraints community. The Prerequisite Tree is used to surface and overcome obstacles to achieving the change towards the organization’s Goal by setting Intermediate Objectives (IOs). These IOs are sequential steps to implementing the change …

Logical Thinking Process

The Logical Thinking Process refers to the work of William (Bill) Dettmer summarized in the book of the same title. The Logical Thinking Process (LTP) is a one to six steps* integrated process using sound logic and a set of tools to provide executives and system managers an effective method for designing organizational strategy, planning …