Lean from the Trenches

Pitfalls

Let’s look at some typical pitfalls when creating these diagrams and how to avoid them.

Too Many Arrows and Boxes

Sometimes a helpful diagram can turn into a rat’s maze. In that case, you need to simplify it. Here are some techniques:

• Remove redundant boxes (boxes that don’t add much value to the diagram).

• Focus on “depth first” rather than “breadth first.” Don’t write down all causes of a problem; write only the most important one or two, and then keep digging deeper.

• Accept imperfections: a diagram like this will never be perfect. George Box puts it nicely: “All models are wrong, but some are useful.”

• Maybe your problem area is too broad. Try to limit yourself to a more narrowly defined problem.

• Split the diagram into pieces, like ...