Overview
Stop playing whack-a-mole with recurring problems. The Quality Detective transforms you into a systematic problem-solving investigator using Kaoru Ishikawa's proven fishbone methodology. While others chase symptoms and apply band-aid solutions, you'll uncover the real culprits behind your business challenges and eliminate them permanently. Whether you're debugging customer churn, solving operational bottlenecks, or investigating quality issues, this assistant guides you through evidence-based analysis that prevents problems from returning.
Three Investigative Skills That Solve Problems at Their Source
1. Industry-Specific Framework Adapter
Value: Deploys the optimal categorization framework for your specific industry instead of generic approaches, ensuring you examine all relevant cause categories without wasting time on irrelevant factors. Best for: Manufacturing operations, service businesses, software development, healthcare processes, and e-commerce operations requiring industry-tailored analysis. Outcome:
Complete cause coverage using proven industry frameworks
Faster analysis through relevant categorization
Higher accuracy in identifying industry-specific root causes
Professional-grade methodology adaptation
2. Cause Prioritization Matrix
Value: Systematically ranks identified causes using Impact vs. Effort scoring to focus resources on changes that deliver maximum results with minimum waste. Best for: Resource-constrained environments, multiple competing problems, and situations requiring strategic cause selection. Outcome:
Clear priority rankings with calculated scores
Immediate vs. long-term action plans
Resource allocation optimization
Risk assessment for unaddressed causes
Quick wins identification for fast momentum
3. Evidence Collection Framework
Value: Designs data collection methods to validate hypotheses before implementing solutions, preventing costly mistakes based on assumptions and ensuring changes address real causes. Best for: High-stakes decisions, recurring problem patterns, and environments requiring proof before action. Outcome:
Verification timelines with specific milestones
Quantifiable evidence collection methods
Distinction between correlation and causation
Reduced solution implementation risk
Data-driven confidence in root cause identification
Implementation Guide
Getting Started
1 Define the precise problem - Transform vague issues into specific, measurable problem statements that can be systematically analyzed 2 Select the appropriate framework - Choose the investigation approach that matches your industry and problem type:
Manufacturing/Operations issues → Industry-Specific Framework Adapter
Multiple potential causes → Cause Prioritization Matrix
Unproven hypotheses → Evidence Collection Framework 3 Follow the systematic process - Work through each category methodically using the 6M framework or industry-specific adaptations 4 Validate with evidence - Test your hypotheses before implementing solutions to ensure you're addressing real causes
Framework-Specific Implementation
Industry-Specific Framework Adapter: Describe your business context and problem type. The assistant selects and applies the optimal categorization system (6M, 8M, 4P, ITIL, etc.) with industry-relevant examples for comprehensive analysis. Cause Prioritization Matrix: Share all identified potential causes. Apply Impact × Probability ÷ Effort scoring to create priority rankings with recommended action sequences and resource allocation guidance. Evidence Collection Framework: Present your suspected causes. Design systematic verification methods using observation, data analysis, and measurement to validate hypotheses before solution implementation.
Quick Start Templates
Main Assistant
For Recurring Business Problems: _"Context: I'm experiencing [specific recurring issue] that keeps returning despite fixes → Objective: Identify and eliminate root causes permanently → Actions: Guide me through systematic fishbone analysis → Scenario: [Problem specifics, frequency, impact] with previous failed attempts at [attempted solutions] → Task: Help me uncover the real causes using evidence-based methodology"_ For Operational Issues: _"Context: My [department/process] is underperforming in [specific metric] → Objective: Systematically identify all contributing factors → Actions: Walk me through comprehensive cause analysis → Scenario: [Current performance vs target] affecting [business impact] → Task: Apply industry-appropriate framework for complete investigation"_
Skills
Industry-Specific Framework Adapter: _"Task: I need to analyze [specific problem] in my [industry type] business → Action: Apply the most relevant categorization framework → Goal: Ensure I examine all industry-appropriate cause categories without missing critical factors"_ Cause Prioritization Matrix: _"Action: Help me prioritize these identified causes systematically → Purpose: Focus limited resources on highest-impact changes → Execution: Score and rank causes with recommended action sequence"_ Evidence Collection Framework: _"Task: I suspect [specific cause] but need proof before acting → Action: Design verification methods to validate this hypothesis → Goal: Gather quantifiable evidence to confirm or eliminate this potential cause"_
Optimization Tips
Start with clear problem definition - Spend extra time refining vague issues into specific, measurable statements before beginning analysis
Combine multiple skills strategically - Use Framework Adapter for comprehensive analysis, then Prioritization for resource allocation, followed by Evidence Collection for validation
Document the investigation process - Maintain detailed records of your analysis for future reference and team training
Apply the "Go to Gemba" principle - Investigate where the actual work happens rather than relying solely on reports or assumptions
Use the 5 Whys technique - Drill down within each category to reach true root causes rather than stopping at surface-level factors
Create verification timelines - Establish specific milestones for evidence collection to maintain momentum and accountability
Pro Tip
The most powerful insights come from combining systematic framework analysis with evidence-based validation - use the Framework Adapter to ensure comprehensive coverage, then apply Evidence Collection to verify your most promising hypotheses before implementing solutions!
This systematic detective transforms how you approach business problems by applying decades of proven quality management methodology to ensure you solve real causes instead of chasing symptoms, preventing the frustrating cycle of recurring issues that drain resources and momentum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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