How can you ensure that a problem is solved permanently?

Identifying the root cause of a problem often encounters a psychological challenge – the tendency to address symptoms rather than delve into the underlying issues. It's akin to pruning a weed without uprooting it. To overcome this, embrace a mindset shift. Instead of viewing the surface-level manifestations, become a detective of the deeper intricacies. Practice active curiosity and ask "why" repeatedly to peel back layers until you reach the core issue. Collaborate with diverse perspectives to prevent cognitive biases from clouding the analysis. By acknowledging that identifying root problems requires a blend of analytical rigor and psychological acuity, you pave the way for lasting solutions that stand resilient against the test of time.

To ensure a problem is solved permanently, a comprehensive and systematic approach is needed. This includes defining the problem clearly, conducting a thorough root cause analysis, involving cross-functional teams, prioritizing solutions, implementing sustainable solutions, establishing standard operating procedures, providing training and education, implementing checks and balances, establishing a continuous improvement culture, using technology to support solutions, monitoring key performance indicators, encouraging open communication, conducting periodic reviews, learning from past incidents, involving leadership and management, documenting and sharing knowledge, and seeking external expertise.

Ask whys? And keep doing it until you no longer can ask questions. That is when you have reached the underlying cause that need to be solved. Too often we think something ia a cause when in reality that is only a symptom of another cause.

It is always better to collaborate with the team members and get insights from all of them to document in detail and then analyze the best possible solution. Consider all the factors and possible side effects for each of the solution. Prepare a matrix. Combinations of various solutions are compared and finally a long-lasting solution is selected for implementation. Any extra cost incurred in implementing the new solution will have to be considered as an investment instead of considering it as an expense which can lead to a permanent solution.

Continuous monitoring is as equally very important to make sure that the implemented solution is effective. Each stage has to be repeated and analyzed to identify the flaws if any and correct them immediately to arrive at a permanent solution.