Keep the answers to the question "Why"

Article#: 00037

Date: 2020-10-30

Author: Radim

It's important to know how we do things.
And no less important is knowing why we do those things and why we do them the way we do them.

Let's say a company makes something in some way:
1. It is important that the company's employees know how it is being made.
2. It is important that the company's employees know why it is being made.
3. It is important that the company's employees know why it is being made this way.

Many decisions have to be made during the project steps.
All alternatives and their possible consequences must be carefully considered before any decision is made.
Because the people who worked on the project may leave, be careful not to let leave the answers to the question "Why" with them.
It is important to document the considerations and reasons why individual alternatives are preferred or not.
This data is very useful in the future if someone needs to find out why things are done the way they are done.
This can be useful for learning new team members.
And it is also useful to study this when new alternatives are later considered, for example with the use of new technologies or under new conditions.

"Put five monkeys in a room.
In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling.
Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable.
Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up. Soon, none of the five monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder.
One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing the obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder. All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why. However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder.
A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the crap out of him. This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.
One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Five new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why."

© Radim-Automation, 2020–2025. All rights reserved.
Sharing of this article is permitted with proper attribution (link to the original page).

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Comment#: 00001

Date: 2020-12-11

User: Radim

It is a good practice to write each use case and requirement with following structure: "Who - What - Why" (Someone does something to achieve something.)

Comment#: 00002

Date: 2021-06-02

User: Radim

Don't build on workarounds if you can implement a suitable solution! Be aware of where and why a workaround was used. You may be able to replace the workaround later with a proper solution. Monstrous and poor systems arise when continuing to build on workarounds that could have been avoided.
See also: https://www.radim-automation.com/Page_Article00003_En.php

Comment#: 00003

Date: 2021-10-27

User: Radim

Don't let people retire without questioning them:
What is their experience?
What did work? Why did it work?
What didn't work? Why didn't it work?
What ideas did / do they have?
What would they do differently? How? Why?

Comment#: 00004

Date: 2022-10-22

User: Radim

"Why are you doing this? Ever find yourself working on something without knowing exactly why? Someone just told you to do it. It's pretty common, actually. That's why it's important to ask why you're working on ______. What is this for? Who benefits? What's the motivation behind it? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you better understand the work itself."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00005

Date: 2022-10-22

User: Radim

"You have to understand why something works or why something is the way it is. When you just copy and paste, you miss that. You just repurpose the last layer instead of understanding all the layers underneath.
So much of the work an original creator puts into something is invisible. It's buried beneath the surface. The copycat doesn't really know why something looks the way it looks or feels the way it feels or reads the way it reads. The copy is a faux finish. It delivers no substance, no understanding, and nothing to base future decisions on."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00006

Date: 2022-12-12

User: Radim

It's easy to give advice at the beginning of a project. Everyone here knows best. But are these consultants able to bear the consequences of a failed development that lasts for years and cannot reach satisfaction?

It is usually experienced people who are not asked for their opinion when a concept is being defined, but who repeatedly have to struggle with the consequences of wrong decisions, workarounds and fixes due to the fact that conceptual decisions were not made based on experience.

⇒ Involve experienced people in conceptual decisions and thus avoid later problems.
⇒ Hold people accountable for their decisions and actions!

Comment#: 00007

Date: 2023-07-11

User: Radim

"New risks are also emerging in automated production, because who will restart a plant or even just a machine if the staff responsible for it at the time of shutdown are no longer working in the same plant. The transfer of knowledge, for example about the last software versions or settings, becomes indispensable. If you do not have the processes and the right solution in place, you risk everything. At this point, trends such as deploying increasing amounts of robots can only help to a limited extent, because even robots are dependent on updates and a certain level of maintenance."
- Curated by Statista, supported by octoplant by AUVESY-MDT. No Fatalism in Manufacturing. Exciting Insights from Leading Studies. (Page 5)
- https://info.auvesy-mdt.com/hubfs/Statista%20ePaper%20EN%20-%20AUVESY-MDT.pdf

Comment#: 00008

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"How to eliminate fifty percent of your business worries.

Everyone who wishes to present a problem to me must first prepare and submit a memorandum answering these four questions:
1. What is the problem?
2. What is the cause of the problem?
3. What are all the possible solutions of the problem?
4. What solution do you suggest?

My associates rarely come to me now with their problems. Why? Because they've discovered that in order to answer those four questions, they have to get all the facts and think their problems through. And they've done that, they find in three-fourths of the the cases they don't have to consult me at all because the proper solution has popped out like a piece o fbread popping up from an electric toaster. Even in those cases where consultation is snecessary the discussion takes about one-third of the time formely required because it proceeds along an orderly, logical path to a reason conclusion."

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:07:50 - 01:09:53)

Comment#: 00009

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"Basic techniques in analysing worry:
Rule 1 - get the fact. Half the worry in the wold is caused by people trying to make decisions before they have sufficient knowledge on which to base a decision.
Rule 2 - after carefully weighing all the facts come to a decision.
Rule 3 - once a decision is carefully reached, act, get busy carrying out your decision and dismiss all enxiety about the outcome.
Rule 4 - when you or any of your associates are tempted to worry about a problem, write out and anser the following questions:
a) What is the problem?
b) What is the cause of the problem?
c) What are all possible solutions?
d) What is the best solution?"

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:12:50 - 01:13:50)

Comment#: 00011

Date: 2023-09-06

User: Radim

What does the customer need?

"Understanding what a customer needs is a fundamental aspect of providing good customer service and delivering products or services that meet their expectations. Customer needs can vary depending on the context, industry, and individual preferences, but they generally fall into several categories:

1. Basic Needs: These are the essential requirements that customers expect to be met. For example, if someone is buying a smartphone, their basic needs might include making calls, sending texts, and accessing the internet.

2. Functional Needs: Functional needs go beyond the basics and encompass the specific features or capabilities that customers are looking for. In the smartphone example, this could include a high-quality camera, long battery life, or a specific operating system.

3. Emotional Needs: Customers often have emotional needs tied to their purchases. They may want to feel a sense of belonging, prestige, or security when buying a product or service. For instance, luxury car buyers may seek a sense of status and prestige.

4. Convenience: Many customers value convenience. This can include factors like ease of purchase, user-friendliness, and accessibility. E-commerce websites, for instance, need to be easy to navigate to meet this need.

5. Price and Value: Customers often want to get good value for their money. They may prioritize finding products or services that offer a balance between quality and affordability.

6. Customer Support: Excellent customer service and support are essential for addressing customer needs. Prompt responses, helpful information, and problem resolution are key components.

7. Customization and Personalization: Some customers value products or services that can be tailored to their specific preferences. This could include personalized recommendations on an e-commerce site or customizable software settings.

8. Quality and Reliability: Many customers prioritize quality and reliability. They want products that work as expected and are built to last, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

9. Sustainability and Ethics: An increasing number of customers are concerned about the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases. They may seek products or services that align with their values in terms of sustainability and social responsibility.

10. Feedback and Input: Customers also need a way to provide feedback and input, whether it's to express concerns, make suggestions, or report issues. This helps companies improve their offerings.

To understand what a specific customer needs, it's crucial to engage in effective communication, actively listen to their requirements, ask clarifying questions, and gather feedback. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, customer interviews, or simply by interacting with customers in the course of business. Meeting these needs is key to building customer loyalty and growing a successful business."

- https://chat.openai.com (What does the customer need?)

Comment#: 00012

Date: 2023-09-11

User: Radim

Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?

"If you don't see any practical use case or clear benefit for digitalization in your specific situation, it may not make sense to pursue it blindly. Digitalization should always align with your organization's goals and needs. Here are some considerations:

1. Assess Business Objectives: Start by identifying your organization's objectives and challenges. Digitalization should align with your strategic goals, whether it's improving efficiency, reaching new markets, enhancing customer experiences, or reducing costs.

2. Customer Demands: Consider whether your customers or clients expect or would benefit from digital solutions. If there's no demand for digital services, investing in them may not provide a return on investment.

3. Competitive Landscape: Analyze your competition. If your competitors are effectively utilizing digital technologies to gain a competitive advantage, it might be necessary to explore digitalization to stay relevant.

4. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine if the potential benefits of digitalization outweigh the costs. If the investment doesn't offer a reasonable return, it might not be justified.

5. Resource Availability: Evaluate whether you have the necessary resources, including financial resources, technical expertise, and staff training, to implement and sustain digital solutions effectively.

6. Future Growth: Consider the scalability of your organization. Even if you don't currently see a clear use case for digitalization, it's essential to think about your organization's future growth and whether digital technologies could play a role in that growth.

7. Technology Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies. While there may not be an immediate use case, technological advancements could create new opportunities down the line.

8. Customer Feedback: Engage with your customers or stakeholders to gather feedback on their needs and preferences. They may provide insights that could uncover potential use cases for digitalization.

9. Pilot Projects: Instead of a full-scale digital transformation, consider starting with smaller pilot projects to test the waters and assess the feasibility and impact of digital solutions in a controlled environment.

10. Consult Experts: Seek advice from digital transformation consultants or experts in your industry. They can provide insights into potential use cases and help you determine if digitalization is appropriate for your organization.

In some cases, it may indeed be the case that digitalization doesn't make sense for your organization at a given time. However, it's essential to regularly revisit this assessment as technology and business landscapes evolve. What might not be relevant today could become essential in the future. Ultimately, the decision to pursue digitalization should be guided by a thorough understanding of your organization's unique needs and circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?)

Comment#: 00013

Date: 2023-09-13

User: Radim

Often the person who knows the answer or the right way is closer than you think. All you have to do is ask.

Comment#: 00014

Date: 2023-10-02

User: Radim

How to get the right intuition?

"Developing and honing your intuition can be a valuable skill, but it's important to remember that intuition is inherently subjective and can't always be "right" in an objective sense. However, you can work on improving the accuracy and reliability of your intuition by following these tips:

1. Increase Your Knowledge and Experience: The more you know about a particular subject or domain, the better your intuition is likely to be within that area. Gain expertise and experience through study, practice, and exposure.

2. Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to your gut feelings or initial impressions. Sometimes, your subconscious mind processes information faster than your conscious mind, leading to intuitive insights. Don't dismiss these feelings outright; give them consideration.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can improve your ability to recognize and trust your intuition.

4. Keep a Journal: Maintain a journal where you record your intuitive hunches and the outcomes. Over time, this can help you assess the accuracy of your intuition and learn from your experiences.

5. Seek Feedback: Discuss your intuitive insights with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. They can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your intuition by offering feedback on your decisions.

6. Validate with Data: When possible, seek out data or information that can confirm or refute your intuitive impressions. This can help you develop a more evidence-based form of intuition.

7. Relax and Clear Your Mind: High-stress levels or a cluttered mind can cloud your intuition. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to clear your mind and enhance your intuitive abilities.

8. Ask Open-Ended Questions: When facing a problem or decision, ask yourself open-ended questions and let your mind wander. This can stimulate creative and intuitive thinking.

9. Learn from Mistakes: Embrace your intuition's imperfections. When your intuition leads you astray, use those experiences as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your intuition accordingly.

10. Practice Patience: Sometimes, intuition needs time to develop. Don't rush your decision-making process if you're unsure. Give yourself the space to allow your intuition to emerge.

11. Combine with Analysis: Balance your intuition with analytical thinking. For important decisions, use your intuition as an initial guide but then follow up with critical analysis and data-driven assessment.

12. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence can enhance your ability to perceive and interpret your own and others' emotional signals, which can inform your intuition.

Remember that intuition can vary from person to person, and it's not always infallible. It's a skill that you can refine over time, but it's also important to recognize its limitations and use it as a complementary tool alongside rational thinking and evidence-based decision-making when appropriate."

- https://chat.openai.com (How to get the right intuition?)

Comment#: 00015

Date: 2024-04-09

User: Radim

Proper storage of information is crucial for efficient work and easy and quick access at a later date.
A good archiving structure and discipline helps to maintain clarity and structure in the working environment, which contributes to the productivity and success of the project as a whole.
It is therefore important to pay sufficient attention to where and how information is stored and to follow appropriate archiving and organization procedures.

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