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October 25th, 2023

In our professional and personal lives, we often encounter challenges and obstacles that require creative solutions.

We’d like to introduce you to a powerful problem-solving framework known as the 3C method: Concern, Cause, Countermeasure.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone eager to enhance your problem-solving toolkit, this method has something valuable to offer.

What is it?

It helps individuals and organisations systematically analyse problems, determine their root causes, and implement effective solutions to achieve improvement and better results.  Here’s an explanation of each component:

  1. Concern: This is the first step in the problem-solving process. It involves identifying and clearly defining the problem or concern that needs to be addressed. The concern should be stated in a specific and clear manner, so everyone involved understands what needs to be solved. It’s essential to have a well-defined concern to move forward effectively.
  2. Cause: Once the concern is identified, the next step is to analyse the underlying causes of the problem. Understanding the root causes of the issue helps in developing a more effective and long-lasting solution. This step often involves asking “why” multiple times to dig deeper and uncover the fundamental reasons behind the concern.
  3. Countermeasure: After identifying the concern and its root causes, the final step is to develop and implement countermeasures to address the problem. Countermeasures are specific actions, strategies, or solutions aimed at eliminating or mitigating the causes of the concern. These actions should be well-thought-out, practical, and targeted at resolving the problem.
What types of problems and challenges can it help tackle?

You can effectively use the 3C framework to address various concerns and challenges in a structured and systematic manner. Remember that the process may involve multiple iterations as you strive for continuous improvement.

Download our step by step guide here.

 

Conclusion

The 3C framework provides a structured approach to problem-solving, helping individuals and teams systematically address issues and make data-driven decisions. It can be applied in various contexts, including quality improvement, project management, and continuous improvement initiatives in organizations.

 

 

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