For some years the medical profession has used what’s called “Corkscrew Analysis” to address diagnostic issues. Of late, I have heard that term dropped into conversation by some management gurus, so I did a little research.
The Corkscrew Analysis method asks four questions:
1. What happened?
2. Why did it happen?
3. What did I learn?
4. What would I do differently next time?
Where has this been all my working life? Innately, we probably ask these questions of ourselves, but in an unstructured form. Even though simplistic, we can see their power if used formally:
1. Asking WHAT happened is a necessary exercise. We often think we know and immediately move on, but pausing a moment to reflect on exactly what transpired in our event will help in steps 2 thru 4.
2. Again, the WHY in the equation is often concluded quickly, without enough information? Think about exactly why the problem came up in the first place.
3. Bingo. “Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it." Understanding exactly what happened (step one) will help us conclude how to control the event when it again occurs.
4. This is basic scientific method. How will you CHANGE the inputs to assure a different outcome?
Good stuff. Simple. I made a chart and hung it on the wall over my desk. It might help.
“Personally, I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught"
--- Winston Churchill, British prime minister