Problems occur when there is a deviation from the normal, the standard or what is expected. The cause of deviation can either be known or unknown. It is important that you immediately identify the nature of the cause of deviation as there are quick actions that you can apply to move forward.

When the cause of a deviation is known, the problem might be characterized as simple – since the probable cause might easily be identified – or complicated, which, with some work, you can figure out cause the cause of the deviation. Here are some actions you can do if the cause of a deviation is known –

APPLY CORRECTIVE ACTION

A corrective action is something you can do or immediately apply to eliminate the cause of a detected non-conformity or other undesirable situation. Correction action can be easily done if you have the following conditions: (1) it is within your financial capability to correct the cause, (2) it is within your technical capability to correct the cause, and (3) it is within your authority to correct the cause.

APPLY ADAPTIVE ACTION

Adaptive action are iterative steps you make that allows you to move forward in uncertainty. This is what you do when the following conditions are present: (1) it is costly to correct the cause, (2) it is beyond your technical ability to correct the cause, and (3) it is beyond your authority to correct the cause.

When the cause of a deviation is unknown, this enters the realm of complex or chaotic problems since it will require you to make assumptions, do research or be more creative in your approach. Here are some actions you can do if the cause of a deviation is unknown –

APPLY INTERIM ACTION

This means you conduct a temporary suspension or termination of action before a final determination. When dealing with problems that require further data collection, it is necessary to buy time in determining the cause of the problem.

APPLY ADAPTIVE ACTION

However, you can still take iterative steps to move forward even in uncertainty. This is especially so when the following conditions are present: (1) it is not important to determine the cause, (2) it is not important to do anything, (3) cause cannot be determined after a lot of time and effort, and (4) the cause of problem is not within your scope of responsibility.

Understanding the nature of the cause of a problem is crucial. A problem cause named, is a problem half solved. Defining the immediate nature of the cause of a problem helps you identify some quick ways to begin solving them.