Let’s be honest: most managers don’t know how to solve problems. 

They spend their days firefighting issues they don’t understand, slapping on plasters, and praying the next disaster waits until they are on holiday. Enter Ed Wells, Chief Strategy Officer of What Caused This, who’s here to explain why your organisation’s approach to problem-solving is probably as effective as the proverbial chocolate teapot.

This episode explains the messy, often ignored world of root cause analysis—not just as a buzzword, but as a way to stop repeating the same mistakes. Ed breaks down why complexity isn’t going away, why your quick-fix mentality is costing you more than it’s saving, and why the "five whys" method is just the start.

Ed explains to Jimmy and James, ever the sceptics, that this is just for specialists and pointy heads. Whether you’re dealing with a train company blaming "lack of staff" for delays (while ignoring the fact they sacked half the workforce) or a football club sacking managers like it’s a hobby, the lesson is clear: if you don’t dig deep, you will never understand the causes of your problems.

Key points:

• Complexity isn’t a trend—it’s the new normal, and your old problem-solving habits won’t cut it.
• Root cause analysis isn’t just for disasters; it’s for preventing them (and maybe even improving things).
• The "golden four" criteria for solutions: Will it work? Can I do it? Can I afford it? Will it backfire spectacularly?
• Teams solve problems better than lone wolves—but good luck getting one when the budget’s been slashed.
• If you don’t track your fixes, you’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes. 

So, if you’re tired of putting out fires only for them to reignite the second you turn your back, this is your wake-up call. Or, as Ed might say, your chance to stop being the hare and start being the tortoise—before the race ends.

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