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    5 Whys-LAL1 PDF

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    mochammad ridwan
    This document provides guidance on using the "5 Whys" technique to identify the root causes of problems. It explains that asking "why" five times can help uncover issues below surface-level symptoms. The 5 Whys approach seeks systematic explanations and avoids blame. It should be used for sensitive, complex or wide-reaching problems, or when multiple people need to work as a group to solve an issue. Effective use involves writing each level of identified causes, asking open questions, and getting to the root of problems rather than blaming individuals. Repeated practice improves skills in applying this problem-solving method.

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    5 Whys-LAL1 PDF

    Uploaded by

    mochammad ridwan
    26 views2 pages
    This document provides guidance on using the "5 Whys" technique to identify the root causes of problems. It explains that asking "why" five times can help uncover issues below surface-level symptoms. The 5 Whys approach seeks systematic explanations and avoids blame. It should be used for sensitive, complex or wide-reaching problems, or when multiple people need to work as a group to solve an issue. Effective use involves writing each level of identified causes, asking open questions, and getting to the root of problems rather than blaming individuals. Repeated practice improves skills in applying this problem-solving method.

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    This document provides guidance on using the "5 Whys" technique to identify the root causes of problems. It explains that asking "why" five times can help uncover issues below surface-level symptoms. The 5 Whys approach seeks systematic explanations and avoids blame. It should be used for sensitive, complex or wide-reaching problems, or when multiple people need to work as a group to solve an issue. Effective use involves writing each level of identified causes, asking open questions, and getting to the root of problems rather than blaming individuals. Repeated practice improves skills in applying this problem-solving method.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    26 views2 pages

    5 Whys-LAL1 PDF

    Uploaded by

    mochammad ridwan
    This document provides guidance on using the "5 Whys" technique to identify the root causes of problems. It explains that asking "why" five times can help uncover issues below surface-level symptoms. The 5 Whys approach seeks systematic explanations and avoids blame. It should be used for sensitive, complex or wide-reaching problems, or when multiple people need to work as a group to solve an issue. Effective use involves writing each level of identified causes, asking open questions, and getting to the root of problems rather than blaming individuals. Repeated practice improves skills in applying this problem-solving method.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Leadership

    Toolkit

    !
    5 Whys
    Leadership  Dimensions Evaluating  information
    By repeatedly asking the question "Why" (5 is a good rule of thumb), you can dig below the outward
    symptoms of a problem to find its root cause. Dealing with the cause, rather than the symptom, will
    mean your resolution of the problem has longer lasting benefits.

    Be aware...
    The 5 Whys approach is not a 'Who is to blame' approach.
    It is a technique for finding a systematic explanation of WHY people didn't do something or
    something didn't happen, as opposed to determining WHAT people did.
    Be sensitive and thoughtful. So often, in a busy environment where relationships, and time and
    responsibility pressures lead to decisions and actions that cause problems, the root cause of the
    problem may be something 'below the surface'' or something people don't normally recognise
    as a cause.

    When to use this tool


    ▪ When you have a sensitive or complex problem to resolve

    ▪ When you need a solution to a problem that may have wide ramifications

    ▪ When a number of people share responsibility for solving a problem and you need to work
    through to the solution as a group

    What to do
    1. The first Why
    a. Start with the visible indicator of the problem, that is, the symptom.
    Ask "why is such and such taking place?"
    b. Put the reason or several reasons that are proposed on the wall.
    2, 3, 4, 5 The successive Whys
    a. Take each of the suggested answers as the starting point for a 5 Whys enquiry, asking
    "Why" about each one. For example, "Why did this happen, what could the cause be?" Be
    particularly careful with responses that start with "Because... is/are not doing their job
    properly". It is vital here to get to the next level of 'why'. Remember you are seeking a
    solution not finding someone to blame.
    b. Post the answers beside each starting point and follow through till you feel you have
    identified its 'root cause'. You are likely to find your answers converging as separate
    symptoms lead to the same or similar systemic explanations.

    Tips
    ▪ The 5 Whys method requires practice. The more you use and practice it, the more you’ll
    begin to find the real root causes of problems.

    ▪ Use 5 Whys in a round table situation, making everyone feel included and equal.

    ▪ By writing up the suggested answers, everyone has an open, structured way to analyse
    the problem because they can see the insights that are being proposed at each step.

    1 of 2 Performance and capability; Leading change


    2 of 2

    List the situations, actions, behaviours or events that contribute to the problem

    1. Start with the visible indicator of the problem, that is, the symptom. Ask "why is such and such
    taking place?" Write the several reasons that are proposed on your wall chart/board.

    2. Take one of the suggested reasons as your starting point for a series of "why" questions, asking
    "Why did this happen, what could the cause be?"

    3. If your next answer isn’t the root cause, ask again "what could the cause be?"

    4. Keep asking "why" until you feel confident you have uncovered the root cause of the starting
    point you selected.

    5. Although this tool is called 5 Whys, you may find that you will need to ask the question fewer or
    more times than 5, before you find the real issue related to a the symptom you selected.

    Note
    It may not always be possible to answer the next question immediately. You may need to gather
    more information or do more thinking in order to answer a question properly.

    Performance and capability; Leading change

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