Causes-Symptoms-Effects Grid

🎯

CAUSES

Root factors that create the problem. These are the upstream drivers. Often hidden, structural, or systemic.

Example:
• Unclear decision rights
• Misaligned incentives
• Legacy tech debt
• Lack of training

🔔

SYMPTOMS

Observable signals that something is wrong. These are what you see or feel day-to-day. Surface level, but important indicators.

Example:
• Missed deadlines
• Team frustration
• Rework loops
• Customer complaints

💥

EFFECTS

Downstream impacts on business, people, or performance. These are the consequences if the problem persists.

Example:
• Revenue loss
• Attrition of key talent
• Market share decline
• Reputation damage

🎯 How to Use This Grid (Shaft V, IS Phase)

Step 1: Start with Symptoms—what do we observe? (5-10 minutes)
Step 2: Use "5 Whys" to dig into Causes—why does this symptom exist? (15-20 minutes)
Step 3: Project Effects—if we do nothing, what happens? (5-10 minutes)
Step 4: Identify which Causes to address in WANT/SHOULD

💡 5 Whys Technique

Start: "We missed the launch deadline" (symptom)
Why? "Requirements changed late" → Why? "Stakeholders weren't aligned" → Why? "No decision owner" → Why? "Unclear governance model" → Why? "Fast growth outpaced structure" ← Cause
Stop at 3-5 levels when you reach systemic or structural root

⚠️ Common Traps

Jumping to solutions: "The cause is we need a new tool" (No—that's a proposed solution)
Stopping at symptoms: "The cause is missed deadlines" (No—that's still a symptom)
Blaming people: "The cause is John" (No—look at systems, not individuals)

Heartful Practice: Before filling the grid, take 60 seconds of silence. Ask: "What am I afraid to name?" Invite that truth into the room with compassion.

🔍 Causes-Symptoms-Effects Grid

🎯 How to Use This Grid (Shaft V, IS Phase)

💡 5 Whys Technique

⚠️ Common Traps