Layers of Analysis - Let’s Make Onion Rings
We’ve all at some point experienced the burning and watering eyes accompanying the peeling and slicing of onions. I admit when prepping dinner and the recipe calls for an onion, I often contemplate omitting this sulfuric acid releaser.
From the kitchen to consultancy, there are times when the client too, would prefer we skip the onion to avoid exposure, temporary discomfort and possible tears. The three Layers of Analysis, according to Flawless Consulting author Peter Block, state that “uncovering deeper layers of the problem is really the search for unused resources available to solve the problem or create something new.” (Block, 2011)
In a recent interview with a director at a large organization, together we peeled back the layers of a longstanding problem in hopes of discovering the cause and possible actionable areas to address the issue. Block explains that the Top Layer or the Presenting Problem is often demonstrated in the form of a concern expressed in organizational or business terms.
The manager expressed frustration with the company’s inability to pay vendors in a reasonable amount of time with some outstanding payments dating back to 2019. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to approach vendors on a sustained basis when they have not received a payment in months.
The Second Layer unpeels person’s perceptions about how others are contributing to the need for change. The manager continued to explained that the Accounts Payable system is not properly understood by all, causing poor execution of the accounting function. With no clarity, there is no continuity in the vendor payment and vendor management process.
The Third Layer delves in to how a person sees their own way of contributing to the situation. Block believes this is vital because it brings responsibility closer to the line manager. The manager noted that company just recently implemented a new vendor payment computerized system with the hope of alleviating some of the blockages. When asked what his role is in contributing to the problem, the manager admitted that at the director level he could familiarize himself more with the payment system and yet again request in-depth training to better assist with speeding up approvals of backdated vendor cheques.
As the consultant, though it may be temporarily uncomfortable we must to peel the onion and acknowledge each layer. This will enable the client to discover how to possibly solve their own challenges. If done well, in the end the consultant or cook may actually get to enjoy the onion rings.
Reference
Block, P. (2011). Flawless consulting: A guide to getting your expertise used (3rd ed.) San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
Photo attribution | infosilproduction from Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/food-restaurant-cafe-dining-dinner-3669928/
Submitted by Kandice Eldon | Barry University Graduate Student