Step 6: What Are the Root Causes of the Gap?

Once the relative importance of a performance gap is clear to stakeholders, then the next step is to try to identify the root cause(s) of the gaps. Discovering root cause(s) is an analytical process. It can be conducted in real time or over a long time span. Pinpointing root cause(s) is critically important—and difficult. When gaps are negative, finding the root cause(s) means discovering what is wrong. When gaps are neutral, no causes exist because there is no gap. When gaps are positive, identifying root cause(s) may require finding out why strengths exist. Problem-solving is one underlying aspect of teamwork. It is therefore a critical tool for performance coaches working with individuals or teams and facilitating the resolution of their problems and coming to a common conclusion. According to Dyer et al., during the descriptive problem-solving approach, individuals who have formed a team go through a four-stage process to solve problems while dealing with behaviors and norms at each stage.