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 …

Deeper dive into UnDesirable Effects (UDEs)

All too often, what is presented as an Undesirable Effect is simply a matter of personal preference/dislike and not a real problem or issue. In order to qualify as Undesirable Effect, the supposed UDE has to be undesirable for the system as a whole. In this video I share a specific definition and comment the …

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 …

Goal Tree Chronicles – Enablers vs.triggers

In this post I explain the difference between enablers and triggers in logic trees, which basically is explaining how Necessity-based logic differs from Sufficiency-based logic. I then explain the basic assumption when building a Goal Tree and why the Goal will not automatically be achieved even if a most of Necessary Conditions are fulfilled. Necessity …

Reader question: Goal Tree vs. Current Reality Tree

Here is a reader's question: I have difficulty seeing the difference between the Goal Tree and the  Current Reality Tree (CRT). With these two trees we assess the process. What are the main differences between the two? The Goal Tree and Current Reality Tree (CRT) have nothing in common. They are not even meant to care …

Beware of the Logical Thinking Process apparent simplicity

It happens often with methods and tools that look simple: people giving it a try think they master the subject when in reality they more or less failed with their trial. It is not different with the Logical Thinking Process. The Current Reality Tree is maybe one of the logic trees the most attractive to …

Why would I learn to think (logically)?

Most people are convinced of their ability to think logically and don’t see the point of getting a specific training like the Logical Thinking Process  training course. Indeed, in some extend most of the people have an innate basic logical thinking way, otherwise our world would be pretty weird. Yet it is also true that …

What is a critical root cause?

A root cause is the beginning of the cause-effect relationship*. Thus when working down the chain of causes and effects from a problem to its cause, a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) meets causes themselves being effects of some underlying causes and so on, down to the root cause from which everything about the problem originated. …

Redefining “problem” (with Goal in mind)

In problem solving or continuous improvement workshops a problem is usually defined as a gap between the actual situation and the desired situation, and thus a problem causes an unsatisfactory situation or an UnDesirable Effect (UDE). This definition, while true, is somewhat too vague to be useful when working on solving problems and continuous improvement. …