Current Reality Tree (TOC) - Simplified Explanation

Simplified Explanation

The Current Reality Tree (CRT) is a powerful focusing procedure formulated by the late Eliyahu Goldratt, inventor of the Theory of Constraints. This process uses time-tested rules of logic to help leaders - in just a few surprisingly brief, but productive sessions - gain a powerful understanding about what really matters in any given situation. It treats multiple problems in a system as symptoms arising from one or a few ultimate root cause/s or systemic core problem/s. It describes, in a simple visual (cause-and-effect network) diagram, the main perceived symptoms (along with secondary/hidden ones that lead up to the perceived symptom(s)) of a problem scenario and ultimately the apparent root cause(s) or core conflict. The benefit of building a Current Reality Tree is that it is much easier to identify the connections or dependencies between perceived symptoms (effects) and root causes (core problem/conflicts). If core problems, say in complex situations or crises, are identified, prioritized, and tackled well, multiple undesirable effects in the system will literally disappear. Thus, leaders may then focus on the bits, the few core problems, which would cause the biggest positive systemic changes, if tackled.