Methodologies
Leaders solve problems at this deeper level, not merely at the surface symptoms.
What is the root cause?
This captain demonstrated that problem solving requires preparation, not just in-the-moment thinking.
Who is Sully Sullenberger?
This Dominican friar was called "the dumb ox" but became a doctor of the church.
Who is St. Thomas Aquinas?
Problem-solving methodologies help a leader create this around what the real problem is.
What is unity?
Using visual processes gives teams confidence without requiring them to do this with the leader.
What is blindly trust?
This is the first step in the problem-solving methodology before using the 5 Whys.
What is writing a problem statement?
The Miracle on this river is an example of crisis problem solving with no time for deep analysis.
What is the Hudson River?
This virtue describes Aquinas's rigorous pursuit of truth using both faith and reason.
What is intellectual excellence?
On the impact vs. effort matrix, these are solutions that have high impact with low effort.
What are quick wins?
According to Aquinas, a ruler working only for his own benefit is called this.
What is a tyrant?
Toyota's method of asking "why" repeatedly, typically 3-8 times, to identify root causes.
What is the 5 Whys?
In the crisis, Sully relied on these pre-made tools that resulted from decades of root cause analysis.
What are checklists?
This religious order that Aquinas joined, despite his family locking him up for a year.
What is Dominican?
Preparation and practice prepare these so you can make good decisions quickly during a crisis.
What are instincts?
Aquinas taught by moving from known truths to reasonable conclusions using these foundational truths.
What are first principles?
This second methodology involves generating as many ideas as possible about potential solutions.
What is brainstorming?
This virtue, combined with checklists, allowed Sully to navigate the crisis circumstances wisely.
What is prudence?
Aquinas's theological masterpiece, still the gold standard of theology and philosophy today.
What is the Summa Theologica?
Aquinas taught that kings always choose this over their private good.
What is the common good?
In crisis situations, leaders must balance checklists with their own judgment and this quality.
What is prudence?
This tool plots ideas on a grid to identify quick wins and long-term projects based on effort and impact.
What is an impact vs. effort matrix?
Sully made this type of decision based on preserving life and safety over conventional wisdom.
What is a values-based decision?
In De Regno, Aquinas teaches that a king is like this, feeding his flock before himself.
What is a shepherd?
Problems are the normal this of life when pursuing your vision.
What is state?
Any form of leadership not aimed at this is, in some sense, corrupt.
What is the common good?