The 5 Whys Add/remove
Purpose:
The primary purpose is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem by repeating the question “Why” five times according to a predefined problem.
Not all problems have a single root cause why ‘The 5 Whys’ can help explore the root cause.
Tips to include participants who are not able to:
See
Move
Hold
Think
Speak
Overview
Input
A defined problem needed to be examined.
Output
The root cause of the problem. Potential multiple root causes.
Complexity
Moderate
Time
15 minutes
Participants
2-15+
Activity
communication, writing, complex thinking
Step by step:
Divide the participants in groups of two.
Hand out templates where you have filled in the situation/problem.
Ask the participants to fill out the template by first reading the problem. Secondly the participants should ask themselves ‘why’ and come up with an answer. Asking ‘why’ 5 times will provide the participants with the root cause of the problem/situation (5-10 min).
Show an example of how to use the method to make it more clear for the participants what to do. The example should not relate to the scope of the workshop ensuring you are not priming your participants (2 min).
Ask each group to present their 5 whys (1-2 min per group).
When doing this method you should consider:
When the participants are filling in the template, walk around and observe their conversations. Both to ensure that they have understood the task but also to hear and note down valuable points that arise through their discussion. The participants are not told to white down anything besides the whys, why it is important to note down their argumentation.
The last answer points to a process that indicates the root cause for the problem. The question ‘Why’ could be taken to a 6th, 7th or even higher level although five iterations is usually sufficient enough.
Materials needed:
Template and pens
