As many of you know, specifically those who have attended a workshop, we are big proponents of using Microsoft Excel to capture a cause map. We have templates available which include some instructions to help you get started. If you have attended a Cause Mapping workshop, then you know that we also have some notes on using Excel in the workbook. For those that are regularly building maps, however, there are a few shortcuts to speed up the process of capturing information, and therefore, increase your speed and efficiency when conducting a root cause analysis. Always a good thing…
Over the next few weeks I plan to blog about some of the shortcuts/tricks that I regularly use to speed up Cause Mapping in Excel. Many of these tips are covered in the workshop, but they aren’t easy to remember once you need them. This first week, I will review the quickest way to copy and paste a box, what we refer to as “control drag”. Most Excel users are aware that there are many different ways to copy and paste an object. For example, typing “Ctrl” + “C” then “Ctrl” + “V” is a commonly used function to copy and paste an object. To use the “control drag” function you simply click on and drag the box or object that you want to copy as if you are moving it to a different location (fig 1). Before you release the box you hold down the “Ctrl” button. Your cursor will change to an arrow with a plus sign (fig 2). You then release the left click on your mouse to drop a copy of the box. Make sure that you are still holding down on the “Ctrl” button when you release the box.
With a little practice you will find that this is a much faster way to copy an object since you can place it exactly where you want it on the map. Check back next week for another Excel Tip.
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