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“Latent Cause Analysis first. Everything else follows.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Great question! The short answer is that if you want software and a repeatable RCA process, many companies will meet that need and are solid choices.
If you want to stop repeating the same failures by fundamentally changing how your people and leaders learn from them, that's what LCA delivers.
Many of our competitors are solid, well-established players in the root cause analysis space. They offer structured tools and software for systematic investigations. Many organizations use them successfully for incident investigations.
What sets Failsafe Network apart is that we don't sell another RCA tool, software, or methodology. We developed and teach Latent Cause Analysis (LCA)—the original evolution beyond traditional root cause analysis.
Here's the difference in practice:
We ban blame completely and require real introspection. Every investigation starts with the question: 'What is it about the way I am that contributes to this?' This isn't just a slogan—it's the core of the work. Traditional RCA often stops at 'human error' or system fixes. LCA forces leaders and teams to examine the latent causes (the hidden mindsets, assumptions, and organizational tendencies we all create) that allow problems to recur. No innocent cucumbers—everyone is part of the system.
Everything starts with a mindset change. Every engagement begins with our flagship Four-Day Latent Cause Experience™. This isn't optional training—it's the required foundation that installs a permanent "Latent Cause Mentality." Once people see failure differently, the learning becomes authentic, sustainable, and organization-wide. Culture change and leadership development aren't add-ons; they are direct outcomes of this mentality. Old RCA methodologies are excellent at what happened and how to fix it. We go deeper into why it keeps happening and how to make sure it doesn't—by changing how people think.
Proven results for over 40 years. Founded in 1985, we've helped organizations move from reactive blame-and-fix cycles to proactive, blame-free learning cultures. Clients consistently tell us this approach doesn't just reduce incidents—it builds trust, speeds up communication, and develops more confident, humble leaders.
It's a long list includings ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66, Ledcor, Enbridge, Shell, Eastman Chemical, Michigan State Police, New York State Police, Fuji Film, Sinclair Oil, Luminant, Vista, American Electric Power, SWEPCO, Petrozuata, Alcoa, Altura Energy, BP, Brock, Chesapeake Energy, Glow Resources, Grew Wolf Drilling, Trinidad Drilling, Stoneham Drilling, Penn Maritime, Linn Energy, Lubrizol, M&R Trucking, Motiva, NCRA, Office of Pipeline Safety, Ontario Power Generation, Sulzer, Suncor, SWIFT Energy, Terra Industries, Waste Management, Willamette
We understand that management may not always be ready for change. That's why we encourage you to start where you have influence. Use our materials—IntroSpect, Latent Cause Analysis, and our VLOG series—to demonstrate the value of our methods. When you apply these principles at your level, the results will speak for themselves. Leaders will take notice and want to know how you achieved such success. Remember, no one can ignore a proven approach that works.
We often hear this concern, and it's a valid one. However, no matter your position in the organization, you can lead by example. When you consistently view yourself as part of the solution, others will notice and follow suit. Change can start from any level—bottom-up or top-down. Executives who see the positive impact of our methods will want to replicate that success across the organization. Be the change you want to see.
Everything you need to know about improving your life is contained within your failures -- EVERYTHING!
Ban Blame. Require Introspection.
What is it about the way I am that contributes to the problems around me, and what am I going to do about it?
If you think writing action items are going to solve your problems, you have no idea what's causing your problems!
There is absolutely NO such thing as a ROOT CAUSE. In fact, there are about 8 billion of them living on this planet.
Change people, or change people.
Our desire to ACT overpowers our need to UNDERSTAND.
We must try to understand to such an extent that we're convinced we'd have done the same thing if we were that person.
We are all on a merry-go-round. Our job is to make it visible!
Until WE see OURSELVES as part of the problem, THEY will never change.
What you tolerate grows, what you condone multiplies.
“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” - John Maxwell
Practicing LCA develops the leader in you.
‘When you were made a leader you weren't given a crown, you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others.’ - Jack Welch
‘The secret of success is changing the way you think.’ - Jack Welch
The Community of Human and Organizational Learning, or CHOLearning, is a group of dedicated consultants and practitioners focused on operational excellence and event learning. CHOLearning was previously known as HPRCT. It is, by far, the best conference we have ever attended. C. Robert Nelms, Failsafe's founder, served on the board from 2016 to 2020. We strongly recommend this OUTSTANDING resource to anyone interested.
Sign up for their mailing list.
Our approach stands out for several reasons. First, we emphasize evidence like no other method. In our 4-day class, we dedicate two full days to understanding evidence—what it is, how to gather it, and how to use it effectively. Second, we require those involved in a problem to identify its causes and take action. Most importantly, we ban blame and demand introspection. Everyone involved must see themselves as part of the solution, fostering accountability and meaningful change.
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