Five Whys

Type of strategy: Brainstorming and DiscussionClosings and Wrap UpOpeners & Get to Know YouProcessing
Process of asking why 5 times to detect the root cause or meaning of a situation
Directions:
Process
- Identify a problem, situation or concept to be studied.
- Ask why? this particular condition exists.
- Each time the question Why? is answered ask Why? again.
- Continue to ask Why? until everyone involved is satisfied they have arrived at the root cause.
Five Whys
WHAT? The Five Whys? are simply a process of asking Why? At least five times in a row to detect the root cause or meaning of a particular problem or situation.
WHERE? The Five Whys? are used any place there is a human factor present. Cut through layers of bureaucracy to find the true meaning.
WHEN? Asking Why? is necessary when people do not truly understand the situation or when a deeper understanding is necessary.
WHY? The Five Whys?
- Cause people to use higher order thinking skills
- Cut through layers of bureaucracy to find the true meaning
- Cause people to challenge their current situation or problem.
Source:
http://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c020610a.aspSubmitted by: Darren Hudgins