2.five+ Whys +Technique-+Apexity+by+Apex+Hatchers

5 Five Whys Technique + Practice Worksheet
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Introducing Five Whys
The five whys technique is an iterative interrogative method used to explore the
cause-and-effect relationships underlying a problem.
It involves asking the question "Why?" up to five times to peel back the layers of
symptoms and understand the true root cause of an issue.
Asking "why" is used to move from just identifying surface problems to uncovering
deeper systemic issues that actually drive those problems in the first place.
By asking why multiple times, you move further back in the causal chain from immediate
symptoms to deeper issues. The ultimate root cause discovered then informs solutions
that address systemic shortcomings and prevent recurrence vs just temporary fixes to
superficial problems.
Demonstration through an Example

Problem: A factory had to halt operations when a key piece of machinery broke down,
delaying a major client shipment.
1. First why? - The machine drive belt snapped, so the device stopped working.
2. Second why? - The drive belt snapped because it was past recommended
replacement age and had worn out from use over time.
3. Third why? - The belt had not been replaced on schedule because there was no
formal preventative replacement protocol built into maintenance procedures.
4. Fourth why? - A belt replacement protocol did not exist because short-term
production pressures often took priority over longer-term equipment upkeep.
5. Fifth why? - Production pressure trumped maintenance because there were no

shared cross-functional KPIs between departments to align goals.
By asking why five times, the root cause shifted from just belt breakage to a lack of
shared metrics between production and maintenance teams. This lack of systems
thinking led to reactive Band-Aid solutions. By implementing aligned KPIs and
maintenance protocols, they shifted perspectives and created proactive processes for
sustainability.
Conclusion
The five whys technique demonstrates how asking successive why questions can reveal
the underlying systemic drivers behind surface-level issues. Like peeling an onion, each
deeper layer uncovered gets closer to origins. This shifts problem-solving from temporary
rapid fixes to addressing core inadequacies behind why issues arise. Training teams in the
five whys develops critical thinking, communication, and systems analysis skills essential
for innovation. Organizations can integrate this as part of operational excellence to
prevent issues before they emerge vs reacting after problems appear. The five whys
reflects a long-term preventative mindset invaluable in today’s complex business
landscape.
5 Whys Root Cause Analysis Worksheet
How to fill this Worksheet:
1. State the Problem: Write out the specific problem, defect, error, issue or
business challenge you want to drill down on. Be as detailed as possible.
2. Ask "Why?" 5 Times: Ask why the problem occurs and write the answer. Repeat
asking why and writing the answer 4 more times to reveal deeper causal
factors. Move horizontally across the worksheet.
3. Identify Final Root Cause: The 5th why reveals the originating root cause to
address. This systemic cause likely applies to other issues as well.
4. Determine Solutions: With the true origin uncovered, brainstorm, plan and
implement prevention-based solutions.
5. Instructions: Start from the problem and ask why it occurs. Repeat for 5 layers
to get to the root cause.
State the Problem:
First Why?
Second Why?
Third Why?
Fourth Why?
Fifth Why?
(Root Cause)
Solutions to Address Root Cause:
Guidelines When Filling the Worksheet:
● Frame issues as problems to solve rather than complaints

● Use non-judgmental, objective language
● Align groups if different departments are involved
● Ask open-ended rather than closed-ended whys
● Move from opinions to facts and data
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5 Five Whys Technique + Practice Worksheet

Demonstration through an Example

5. Fifth why? - Production pressure trumped maintenance because there were no

How to fill this Worksheet:

State the Problem:

Solutions to Address Root Cause:

Guidelines When Filling the Worksheet:

● Frame issues as problems to solve rather than complaints

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