Teamwork problem solving

Complex problems with multiple causes require multifaceted solutions. In technical problem solving, root cause analysis techniques such as the fishbone diagram are used to identify potential causes of problems and actions to mitigate or eliminate these causes.

Problem categories are established and teams brainstorm all potential causes of the problem within each category.

The analysis often shows that there are multiple causes. Teams then begin addressing each of these causes in order to reduce the probability of the event occurring in the future. With issues that have political components, it is often our gut instincts and long-held beliefs that guide our thinking, sometimes irrationally.

In the groups we participate in, including as citizens, politicians, scientists, educators, etc., we need to work together as teams to identify the multiple and varied causes that lead to school violence and develop action plans to address each one. Our children and fellow citizens demand more than knee-jerk responses, which often include singular fixes.

Rather than state my own opinions on what causes school violence, I would rather advocate for all of us to engage in this issue as problem solvers and not as partisans.

Craig Hutson

Libertyville