Building district problem-solving capacity requires learning, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. It takes time, investment, and effort—but the benefits are enormous.

Problem Analysis (FIND)

What it is:

a step-by-step approach for finding root cause when things go wrong

When it applies:

when there is a deviation between what should be happening and what is actually happening; when expectations are not being met

Typical pitfalls when no process is used:

finger-pointing and blame-fixing; taking action based on assumptions rather than facts; not using or misusing data; not addressing cause—having to “fix” the same problem repeatedly

Basic Steps:

Focus on the Problem
Identify Is and IS Not
Name Possible Causes
Determine True Cause and Verify

Problem Analysis helps us:

  • recognize when a problem exists
  • identify, organize, and utilize relevant facts and data
  • systematically eliminate unlikely causes
  • verify true cause—before implementing fixes
  • use facts to diffuse emotions


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