Tools

                    The Core Problem Cloud

The core problem cloud describes the conflict that prevents us from finding a solution to the core problem.  There are three major types of core problem clouds.

I) Conflict with the “rules” of the system
II) Personal dilemma of the leader
III) Conflict between functions, management levels or individuals (chronic conflict)

Let’s take the first type as an example
 



A cloud is a diagram that represents two sides of a conflict with a common goal.

Boxes B and D are one side of the conflict; boxes C and D' are the other side of the conflict; box A is the common goal.

We read a cloud by inserting the words "in order to" and "must" where we have drawn the arrows.

In order to achieve A, we must have B;
In order to have B, we must have D;

On the other hand,

In order to achieve A, we must have C;
In order to have C, we must have D'

The Objective A of the cloud is to find a solution to the core problem and to dramatically improve the performance of the system.

The boxes D and D’  of a cloud contain the opposing positions in the conflict. In this case they represent a conflict that the managers have.

D: act in line with the “rules” of the system – the way they are expected to act by their bosses and the way they are measured by the system.

D’: Resist the pressure and take actions that are not in line with the “rules” of the system and actually oppose them.

Box B of a cloud contains the need that the position D is trying to protect and box C the need box D’ is trying to protect.

In this case the different actions are driven by two important business needs:
In Box B we will find the necessary condition of the type of maintaining stability.
In order to achieve A, (i.e. to dramatically improve the performance of the system) the system must be stable, and the rules help us to get control over the resources, processes and their performances.

In box C we may find the need for progress and avoiding negative Inertia.
In order to dramatically improve the performance of the system, we must prevent inertia .

The core problem cloud is sufficient, in many cases, to get  consensus on the problem and to start moving.  However, in cases of lack of consensus or lack of confidence in the quality of the analysis that has lead to the construction of the core problem conflict, there is a need to develop a full CRT – Current Reality Tree - to check the full causalities that lead to the identification of the core problem.

One of the popular ways to construct a CRT is to base it on the Core CRT  (CCRT) that is using the core problem cloud.

go to the CRT 

construct your  cloud