From Symptoms to Causes: Applying the Logical Thinking Process to an Everyday Problem

by Thorsteinn Siglaugsson

"The chief cause of problems is solutions."- Eric Sevareid"Every situation, no matter how complex it initially looks, is exceedingly simple."- Eli Goldratt In 2018 I attended a training course in Paris that fundamentally changed my perspective. This was H. William (Bill) Dettmer’s six-day course in the Logical Thinking Process, an exceptionally powerful methodology for strategy definition and problem solving, based on the methods of Dr. Eli Goldratt, author of The Goal and systems management legend, adapted and refined by Bill Dettmer.Towards the end of the course I realized how mastering this rigorous methodology changes the way you approach situations of any kind. It helps you deal with difficult situations in a way few if any other methodologies can.Achieve breakthrough results by deciphering complex causality, unearthing false assumptions and removing the conflicts caused by faulty mental models; this is what the Logical Thinking Process helps us to do, using classical cause-effect logic. In this book, a simple, everyday example is used to demonstrate how to apply the Logical Thinking Process and how it helps us drive success by making sounder, more rational decisions. The book also contains practical organizational examples and a concise overview of the framework.

Genres: Nonfiction

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2020

Reviews

[Denis Vasilev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Интересный метод решения сложных задач

Давно хотел прочесть Деттмера. Это сокращенный вариант, вполне достаточный чтобы понять основы и начать использовать. Спасибо автору за книгу короткую и по делу. Минус — пример с деревом показался надуманным

[Jack Vinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a booklet that describes the process of thinking through a situation, using the TOC Logical Thinking Processes, to show how systems thinking plays an important role in really developing lasting solutions to problems, whether they bedevil the homeowner as in this example, or a business. Thinking is the key in any systems thinking approach!

[Jeff Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great but short read on The Logical Thinking Process

This is a great book that you can share with everyone you know, not just those that are familiar with the late Dr. Eli Goldratt's work. It is a quick read with amazing examples that you can relate to instantly.

[Walter Cavinaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is short booklet with a more intuitive explanation of the logical thinking process and some examples of applications. I think this book is a better introduction to the topic than other content out there. It really provides an easy way to understand the process by using am example of how to achieve the goal of having a nice looking house.

The whole process allows us to dig deeper into our objective and what is necessary to get there; what is at the root cause of the symptoms we are seeing; how we can discover ideas to resolve conflicts between action and inaction; whether those ideas lead to the result we want without unintended consequences; and what tasks are necessary to implement the idea.

When I first started learning about this whole framework I thought it was stating the obvious. But the more I learn about it the more I realize that it seems simple but going through the process is necessary, especially as the size of the problem grows. The process allows you to externalize and visualize your assumptions and your beliefs on cause-and-effect. Having this in front of you and out of your memory makes it tangible and allows you to investigate and tests those beliefs and assumptions. Clarity of meaning, truth and logical validity are important when going through the process and going through the steps and checklist will expose any faults in your thinking.

There are many parts that remind me of [[Psychology of Intelligence Analysis]], and I guess the purpose is similar. For parts of the LTP process we are trying to externalize and visualize our assumptions and model of the world in order to test their validity. The analysis of alternative hypothesis put forth by Heuer is similar in that respect, and also gives us analytical devices to challenge our assumptions.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good summary/intro

Anyone working on complex issues in complex organizations will find the method described here useful. The process requires following a structured approach to defining first the goal and current reality. Often, misalignment there isn’t identified because assumptions are held in the minds of team members. Get the words out, agree on what they mean, and state the underlying assumptions. It’s not as simple as that, but rather by doing that work, a team can get to the task of defining an action plan. This ~50 page intro gives a great overview. Several references are provided to continue learning.

[Dr. Tathagat Varma · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a good introduction to applying a logical thinking process in a systematic framework, and especially good for newbies who are looking for a quickstart guidance on how to initiate the journey. Over time, of course, these ideas and principles gets embedded in one's thinking system and happen rather unconsciously, but it is good to refer back to the "process" once in a while to align and course-correct in case one's drifted too far apart because of solving only a particular type of problems, etc.

[Joy Livingwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! I was new to the Logical Thinking Process and pretty new to Theory of Constraints when I read this book. It is so clear, well-written, and actionable that I was immediately able to apply it to difficult problem I'd struggled with for years... and finally dig down to the root conflict! Once I had that, I was finally able to take action to fix it. Highly recommended.

[Anandh Sundar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise yet excellent book which takes a household example to teach how to build a goal tree/issue tree/solution and plan. Key points include Goal Tree including only KEY success factors, and the checklist at the end

[Evan Ratner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logical thinking

Decent book the graphs are most helpful. Feels like the book could be an hour lecture that is useful for anyone to think clearer

[Dr. Bader Alzaid Altraiji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concised!

Concised material on logical thinking process with plenty of examples. A must-read as in an introductory material to this concept.