#57: Connect the Dots—Why Root Cause Thinking Isn’t Enough

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive deep into the theme of their upcoming conference—Connect the Dots—and challenge the outdated idea of “root cause” thinking. Instead, they break down how real-world problems emerge from webs of causality, where multiple, interacting factors must be addressed simultaneously to get results.

They explain why trying one solution at a time fails, how to use systems thinking tools like zooming, part/whole, and relationship mapping, and why seeing the whole system is the only way to make lasting change—whether it’s in sleep, school shootings, or societal polarization.

If you're tired of oversimplified answers to complex problems, this episode is your roadmap to thinking more clearly and solving more effectively.